Official BA Blog

7 grains of truth about celiac disease

2012-02-24T07:53:00.000-08:00

By Karis Gabrielson, R.N.

You may have noticed more gluten-free items showing up on store shelves — and on restaurant menus, too.

Today, there's growing interest in avoiding gluten. That may be a trendy choice for some. But, it's a medical necessity for people with celiac disease.

People with this condition shouldn't eat gluten — a protein found in wheat, rye, barley and some other grains — because of the way their bodies react to it.

Here are seven key facts about celiac disease:

1. It's on the rise. Celiac disease was once considered rare. But, blood sample research indicates it may be about four times more common today than it was 50 years ago. By some estimates, 1 in 100 Americans currently has this condition. Experts believe this may be partly due to how wheat crops and processing have evolved over time.

2. It's an autoimmune disorder — not an allergy. The body's immune system reacts to gluten by attacking and harming the small intestine. As a result, the body can't absorb enough nutrients.

Click Here to continue reading.

Feds’ new rules & deadline for health summaries

2012-02-23T07:54:00.000-08:00

February 14, 2012 by Christian Schappel

The healthcare reform law requires employers who sponsor health plans to provide workers with “summaries of coverage.” But after some delays, the feds just published the final rules, deadline and sample documents.

Under the final rules, insurance companies and plan sponsors with plan years that start September 23, 2012 or later will have to supply the documents during their next open enrollment.

Originally, employers were tasked with providing the documents beginning March 23, 2012.

The two documents the healthcare reform bill says plan participants must receive from insurers and plan sponsors:

A short, easy-to-understand Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC) , and
A glossary of terms commonly associated with health insurance, such as “deductible” and “co-pay.”

Click Here to continue reading and find important links.

UnitedHealth Will Tie Doctors’ Payments to Quality of Care

2012-02-22T08:25:00.000-08:00

By Sarah Frier and Drew Armstrong

Feb. 9 (Bloomberg) -- UnitedHealth Group Inc., the largest U.S. health insurer by sales, will pay doctors based on the quality of their care in a cost-cutting effort that also benefits the company’s consulting business.

UnitedHealth expects to save twice as much as it would spend on incentive payments for doctors because patients will be healthier, according to company documents forwarded by spokeswoman Cheryl Randolph. The program may cover as much as 70 percent of the insurer’s commercial members by 2015, from less than 2 percent now, the company said.

The nationwide expansion of the program follows similar efforts by the U.S. government and rival insurers to trim medical costs by shifting away from paying based on the amount of services provided. Optum, UnitedHealth’s services business, will be able to sell software, data and consulting to providers making the changes, Sam Ho, chief clinical officer of the insurer’s UnitedHealthcare unit, said in an interview.

Click Here to continue reading.

Tip Tuesday! 15 crafty ways to trim 100 calories a day

2012-02-21T07:40:00.000-08:00

By Melanie Polk, M.M.Sc., R.D., F.A.D.A.

Sometimes in life, small steps can add up big.

Take 100 calories.

Actually, make that "Trim 100 calories." It may not sound like much — but taking this one step daily could add up to a 10-pound weight loss over a year.

It might be easier than you think, too. Here's one way: Use mustard instead of mayo on your turkey sub. And, another: Make your creamy latte a "skinny."

Snip, snip!
OK, those were two quick calorie-savers. Read on for more how-to-trim tips — 15 total!

Click Here to continue reading

Pump up your potassium – all day long!

2012-02-17T06:49:00.000-08:00

By Melanie Polk, M.M.Sc., R.D., F.A.D.A.

Potassium — it's a powerful mineral that helps keep blood pressure on an even keel. And, it's a nutrient you might need more of.

In fact, many of us get roughly half of the potassium that doctors recommend. At the same time, more than 50 percent of American adults have high blood pressure. Or, they are at risk of it.

A real necessity

Potassium is essential to the function of every cell in our bodies. Besides lowering blood pressure, it may help:

Keep bones strong
Support muscle and nerve function
Prevent kidney stones

Go bananas ... and potatoes ... and spinach ... Click Here to continue the article.

Potassium is a valuable mineral. Fortunately, it isn't a rare one. It's found in many types of foods. Some of the richest sources are fruits, vegetables, and low-fat or fat-free dairy products, such as milk and yogurt.

Click Here to continue the article.

DOL does it again: Pushes back 401(k) disclosure deadline

2012-02-15T08:03:00.000-08:00

February 7, 2012 by Christian Schappel

Employers who sponsor worker retirement plans just got a lot more time before they have to issue plan participants 401(k) fee disclosures.

The new deadline: Aug. 31, 2012. That is the date by which plan sponsors must disclose all 401(k) plan fees and expenses to plan participants. The participant fee disclosure rule had previously been pushed back to May 31.

The reason for the further postponement? The Department of Labor (DOL) is pushing back the date retirement service providers (like Fidelity Investments and Vanguard) have to disclose their fees to employers who sponsor plans.

Click Here for more information and the full article.

Tip Tuesday! 7 easy-on-the-eye tips for computer users

2012-02-14T07:07:00.000-08:00

By Linda Chous, O.D.

Do you spend much of your day making eye contact with a computer screen? The result can be tired, dry peepers.

Eye strain doesn't actually cause permanent damage to your vision. But, it can be uncomfortable — and may make it more difficult for you to work.

Seven soothing steps
Help yourself see clearly and comfortably — and avoid eye strain — with these screen-time strategies:

Click Here to read more about the seven steps!

IRS Updates W-2 Health Care Coverage Reporting FAQ

2012-02-10T08:30:00.000-08:00

On January 3, 2012, the IRS issued Notice 2012-09, which restates and amends last year’s Notice 2011-28 guidance on W-2 health coverage reporting.

The Notice arrives just as many employers are processing their first payroll of 2012, the first payroll that is subject to the new reporting requirement. Recall that §9002 of the Affordable Care Act imposes this mandate, with the cost of all applicable coverage reported in Box 12 as Code DD.

Notice 2011-28 was a 31-question FAQ. Notice 2012-09 builds upon the earlier framework, adding eight more questions and revising some of the answers (under the heading of “Additional Issues”). Here are some highlights: Click Here to read more!

Small Employer Exception. Employers with fewer than 250 W-2s in 2011 still have an indefinite delay, as do Indian tribal governments. An employer that uses a §3504 agent does not qualify for the exemption if the employer would have exceeded the 250 threshold without the agent.
Health FSAs. The IRS clarified that only the amount that exceeds an employee’s salary reduction (if any) must be reported. An example would be an employer’s matching contribution.

Click Here to read more!

The real reason your best performers want to leave?

2012-02-08T08:11:00.000-08:00

January 31, 2012 by Christian Schappel

A recent benchmarking survey revealed which types of companies are spending the most – and the least – per covered employee for healthcare benefits.

These industries spent the most per covered employee in 2010 (the most recent data available):

Utilities ($20,567 on average)
Insurance ($14,132)
Real estate ($11,554)
Government ($11,406)
Manufacturing ($11,114)

Click Here for more information and the complete article!

Tip Tuesday! Lack of Sleep Means Lack of Weight Loss

2012-02-07T07:54:00.000-08:00

IN WEIGHT LOSS| NOVEMBER 3, 2011 - BY DR. AXE

Sleep is one of the most undervalued essential practices in modern society. In 1910, an average night’s sleep was 9 hours. By 1975, it was down to 7.5 hours. From 2000 to 2002, polls found that it had fallen to 6.9 hours. Today, many people average just 5-6 hours of sleep per night.

At the same time, obesity rates have doubled! Sleep and the neuroendocrine system are intricately entwined. Chronic lack of sleep is thought to be linked to diabetes, hypertension, obesity and memory loss. Lack of sleep increases blood pressure and the risk of heart disease.

Click Here for the full article and more links and information.

IRS Reminds Plans of Benefit Gray Areas

2012-02-03T08:02:00.000-08:00

Every year, the IRS clarifies areas of the law in which it will not provide guidance. For 2012, Revenue Procedure 2012-03 provides a good reminder of a few gray areas for health and welfare benefits.

Specifically, the Revenue Procedure identified 79 areas in which the IRS will not issue rulings or determination letters “because of the inherently factual nature of the problems involved, or for other reasons.” Four areas are of particular interest.

First, the IRS will not define gross misconduct as it relates to COBRA. Recall that a termination of employment involving gross misconduct is not a qualifying event. In the past, courts have differed on how to define this term. This will continue. Because gross misconduct is so murky, the usual recommendation is to offer COBRA to avoid daily penalties, excise taxes and self-insuring claims.

Click Here to read the entire article.

Childhood Immunization and Well Child Visits

2012-02-01T07:42:00.000-08:00

Caring for your children’s health is one of the most important things you can do as a parent. Making sure your child has been given all of the appropriate immunizations can help maintain their health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the following immunization schedule: Click Here for the full article and links to the immunization schedules

If your child is missing or is behind on any immunizations, please call your child’s doctor today for an appointment.

Tip Tuesday: 7 Crucial Health Reform Law Dates in 2012

2012-01-31T08:30:00.000-08:00

January 18, 2012 by Christian Schappel

Yes, the bulk of the healthcare reform law doesn’t kick in until 2014. But there’s still plenty going on with the law this year.

Seven dates you’ll want to keep in mind:

Jan. 1. This month, groups of healthcare providers officially started to band together to form Accountable Care Organizations (ACO) to treat Medicare participants. They are designed to improve healthcare quality in an attempt to bring down costs. ACOs will accept a flat fee for all care related to a small group of Medicare patients. The idea is
that the more an ACOs quality of care increases, the more its healthcare costs will decrease — and the more money it will make.
March 26, 27, 28. The Supreme Court will hear oral arguments to determine a) whether the individual mandate challenges to the law are barred by the Anti-Injunction Act, b) if the mandate is constitutional and c) whether the rest of the law can stand if the individual mandate is deemed unconstitutional.

Click Here for more important dates and the full article.

Wellness: Can it Solve What Ails Health Care?

2012-01-27T07:53:00.000-08:00

by Infinisource

An apparent failing of the Affordable Care Act is its focus on one part of the health care issue (access) while ignoring another part (demand), thereby worsening another part (cost).

Employer-sponsored wellness programs appear to address those other parts. The basic theory is this:

Most health care claims relate to chronic conditions that are avoidable through proper nutrition, exercise and early prevention
An employer’s investment in employees’ health addresses those chronic conditions
Eventually, a wellness program’s benefits (financial and otherwise) far outweighs its cost

Here are some things we are seeing in the wellness space:

Paying for lack of health. A recent Towers Watson study showed that 19 percent of employers penalize employees on health plan premiums for unhealthy behaviors (e.g., smoking), twice the number of two years ago. HIPAA nondiscrimination rules impose some restrictions on standard-based premium surcharges.
Putting money where mouth is. An Incentive Research Foundation survey found that offering financial incentives increases participation rates from about 20 to 60 percent.
Helping employees help themselves. An Aon Hewitt report showed that 60 percent of employees believe their employer is only moderately to not supportive when it comes to getting healthy. They want a customized and convenient improvement plan.

So what does workplace wellness look like? Click Here to read more!

Sure your TPA’s got COBRA notifications covered?

2012-01-25T07:28:00.000-08:00

January 16, 2012 by Tim Gould

Most companies use a third-party administrator to handle their COBRA notification duties. Here’s what can happen when companies forget to keep an eye on the overall process.

An employee for Esurance had changed his mailing address from a P.O. box to his apartment’s street address. Later, he began taking intermittent FLMA leave for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) until his leave was exhausted.

The employee ended up being terminated, and the TPA that handled the company’s COBRA mailings sent him a COBRA notice. However, because the TPA sent the election notice to the employee’s old P.O. address, he didn’t receive it.

Eventually, the employee received a COBRA notice – around a year and a half later. But he sued the company for COBRA notice violations, because he didn’t receive his election notice until well after the 44-day qualifying event timeframe plan sponsors are required to send it within

Click Here for the complete article.

Tip Tuesday! Important Dates to Remember

2012-01-24T07:49:00.000-08:00

By Infinisource

The following checklist provides employers and benefits and payroll professionals key upcoming dates and deadlines related to health benefits. This reminder list does not constitute all of the deadlines applicable to employers and some deadlines may be different based on variations in plan year or plan design.

NR Topic (Select topic from drop-down menu)	Description	Date

*Payroll*	2011 W-2s. Employers must send the Wage & Tax Statements to employees no later than this date. It includes information on wages and taxable and non-taxable benefits.	January 31, 2012
*Payroll*	Form 941 and FUTA Deposit Filing Deadline. Due date for filing Form 941 and FUTA deposits for the prior quarter.	January 31, 2012
*Payroll*	Form 940 Filing Deadline. Due date for filing annual Form 940 return for FUTA.	January 31, 2012
*Medicare*	CMS Medicare Part D Notice Deadline. Employers with prescription drug coverage must report the creditable status of their coverage to CMS within 60 days of the start of the plan year.	February 29, 2012
Cafeteria Plans Flexible Benefits	End of Grace Period. Typically, FSAs have grace periods of 2 months and 15 days.	March 15, 2012 (for calendar-year plan years)
*HSAs*	Correction of Excess Contributions to HSAs. Employers may correct any contribution errors by the federal tax-filing deadline to avoid a 35% excise tax. Recently, the IRS extended the normal April 15 deadline to April 17, 2012.	April 17, 2012
HR Employer Services	New NLRA Notice Posting Deadline. Employers must post a new required notice about rights under the National Labor Relations Act. Click here for more details.	April 30, 2012

COPYRIGHT NOTICE: All graphics, photographs, articles and other text appearing in the Newsroom and other official Infinisource web pages and communications are protected by copyright. Any unauthorized use is strictly prohibited, unless you obtain Infinisource’s express written permission. To obtain permission, please contact Infinisource at solutions@infinisource.net

Click Here For The Original Article And Links.

Women and lung cancer: A growing threat

2012-01-20T07:43:00.000-08:00

By Tanise Edwards, M.D.

What type of cancer kills more American women than any other? The answer to this question may be surprising to some.

Many women fear breast cancer the most. But, the answer is lung cancer.

Experts say it's a rising threat all women need to take seriously. And, that means not just smokers — but also women who have never once lit up.

5 telling facts
National statistics and findings show the toll lung cancer takes — especially on women:

1. Lung cancer is the No.1 cause of cancer deaths for both U.S. men and women. But, while the disease rate in men has gotten lower, in women it's increased sixfold over the last 30 years.

2. One of every five women diagnosed with lung cancer doesn't have a history of smoking.

3. Women with lung cancer who have never smoked outnumber their male counterparts three to one.

4. Women tend to develop lung cancer at a younger age than men.

5. Some research suggests that female smokers may be more vulnerable to lung cancer than men who smoke.

Click Here to read more...

Can ‘sugar tax’ actually lower healthcare costs?

2012-01-18T08:15:00.000-08:00

January 11, 2012 by Christian Schappel

It’s no secret American’s don’t take very good care of themselves. Well, researchers suggest a new tax may help change that.

Researchers from Columbia University, UC San Francisco and Virginia Tech calculated that a penny-per-ounce tax on sugar-sweetened beverag

es would significantly slash the instances of heart disease and strokes, according to a report in Health Affairs.

Surely, this would tick off a lot of soda fans.

But the researchers say the tax would reduce super-sweet beverage consumption by 15%, resulting in the average adult age 25 to 64 consuming nine fewer calories per day. That, they say, would result in enough weight loss to reduce the number of obese adults by 867,000 in 10 years.

Click Here for the full article and Other Claims!

Tip Tuesday! Noodle know-how: 4 steps to more healthful pasta

2012-01-17T08:09:00.000-08:00

By Melanie Polk, M.M.Sc., R.D., F.A.D.A.

What's not to love about pasta? It's fast, simple fare that's budget-friendly, too. It's also deliciously versatile — the perfect partner for vibrant vegetables, fresh herbs and savory spices.

But, your favorite linguine, macaroni or ziti isn't so healthful when it's swimming in high-fat extras. Next time you put noodles on the menu, make these nutrition-smart moves:

1. Switch to whole grain
Whole-grain pastas are richer in vitamins and other nutrients. In fact, they can have almost three times the fiber of refined pasta.

But, they may take a little getting used to. Some varieties tend to have a nuttier, bolder flavor than traditional pasta.

You might sample different pasta shapes and brands until you find options you like. Or, try mixing whole-grain and refined varieties until you get used to the taste. And, you may just discover that you find whole-grain noodles tastier!

Here's a tip: Keep an eye on the cooking time — it can greatly affect the pasta's texture. And, serve whole-grain pasta al dente, or slightly firm. It can get gummy quickly when overcooked.

Click Here for more tips and the full article.

Women and lung cancer: A growing threat

2012-01-13T07:57:00.000-08:00

IRS clears up W-2 health cost reporting rules

2012-01-11T08:04:00.000-08:00

January 6, 2012 by Christian Schappel

The latest round of IRS guidance helps answer questions employers have raised about the requirement to report the cost of workers’ health insurance on W-2s.

The healthcare reform law mandates that employers that issue more than 250 W-2 forms for tax year 2012 must include on those statements the cost of employees’ healthcare coverage.

Employers issuing fewer than 250 W-2s are exempt from this rule until it comes time to pass out 2013 W-2s — and possibly longer.

Points of clarification in the latest guidance:

Employers can — but aren’t required to — report contributions made to health reimbursement arrangements
The cost of services provided through employee assistance programs (EAP), wellness programs or on-site medical clinics is not required to be reported — unless the employer charges premiums for those services to COBRA beneficiaries

Click Here for more points, the original article and more links!

Tip Tuesday! 7 steps to keep listeria out of your kitchen

2012-01-10T08:21:00.000-08:00

By Karis Gabrielson, R.N.

Listeria. Before the summer of 2011, this germ probably wasn't on the minds of many Americans. But, some tainted cantaloupes change

d that. They were to blame for making people in multiple states sick and causing numerous deaths.

Read on to learn some important facts about listeria — and what you can do to protect your family year-round.

Highly dangerous for some
Listeria causes an infection called listeriosis. And, contaminated food is almost always what spreads it.

This foodborne bug isn't a serious danger for most healthy adults and children. But, it can be deadly for certain at-risk groups, including:

Pregnant women and their babies

Newborns

Older adults

People with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS, cancer, diabetes and kidney disease

Listeriosis symptoms can take a few days, or even weeks, to appear. They can include fever, chills, muscle aches — and diarrhea or stomach upset. The infection may also cause headache, stiff neck and confusion. During pregnancy, a woman may experience only a mild, flu-like illness. See "A risk for expectant moms."

Click Here to read the full article with tips!

Feds want states to set minimum benefit limits in health exchanges

2012-01-05T06:17:00.000-08:00

December 26, 2011 by Christian Schappel

The health reform law required the Dept. of Health and Human Services (HHS) to set minimum benefit limits for plans in health exchanges. But now the HHS wants to relinquish that responsibility to the states.

Insurance plans participating in state health exchanges will be required to offer a minimum amount of benefits, known as essential health benefits. Their plans must cover services in at least 10 categories, which include preventive care, emergency services, maternity care, prescription drugs, mental health and substance abuse.

But now, instead of the HHS determining what those limits will be, it looks like it’ll beleft up to the states to decide for themselves.

Click Here for more details on the proposal and the full article.

3 questions the Supreme Court will answer about healthcare reform

2012-01-04T06:13:00.000-08:00

December 28, 2011 by Dan Wisniewski

The challenge to the healthcare reform act is finally on the Supreme Court’s calendar. Here are the three questions the court will try to answer when it hears the case in March. hearing challenges

The court will spend three days hearing challenges to three key issues. Here’s the breakdown:

Is the individual mandate unconstitutional? The big question on the courts’ plate: Did Congress violate the Constitution by requiring people to buy health insurance or pay a penalty? The court will hear two hours of arguments on the individual mandate, also known as the minimum coverage provision, on March 27.
Can the mandate be separated from the rest of the healthcare reform act? The court will also spend a significant amount of time arguing about what parts of the law should be eliminated should the individual mandate be ruled illegal. The states and businesses that filed the lawsuits against the government claim the entire law should be struck down if the individual mandate is deemed illegal. The feds argue that only some parts of the law should be eliminated if the individual mandate is struck down. Those arguments take place on March 28.
Should the challenge actually be pushed back to 2014? Before either of those questions can be answered, though, the court must first decide if it can even legally make a ruling about the mandate. A federal law called the Anti-Injunction Act states that “consumers can’t challenge a tax law until they have to pay for it,” according to Politico. If the court rules that the individual mandate is a tax, then the court could throw out any lawsuits concerning the mandate until it goes into effect in 2014.

The court will likely rule on the challenge to the act during the last week of its term at the end of June. We’ll keep you informed.

Click Here for the original article.

Tip Tuesday! Wellness could be key to reduced worker’s comp

2012-01-03T07:19:00.000-08:00

December 27, 2011 by Christian Schappel

A new study has revealed two more reasons to encourage obese employees to join weight loss programs.

The reasons: Obesity can increase the risk of injury and tends to complicate recovery, according to a recently released study by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.

Researchers found:

Obesity increases the risk of falls because it negatively affects balance and posture
Obese people are more likely to suffer from breathing-related sleep disorders like sleep apnea
Odds of sustaining an injury can be as much as twice as high for obese workers compared to non-obese individuals
Repetitive motions (kneeling, squatting and typing) compound injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome and osteoarthritis
Obesity increases the risk of heat-related illnesses, and
The rate at which workers’ comp claims are filed is twice as high for individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or greater compared to non-obese individuals.

Click Here for the full article

Worker confidence in benefits decisions varies by age

2011-12-30T08:35:00.000-08:00

December 20, 2011 by Christian Schappel
Which group of employees do you think is more likely to want help when making benefits decisions? Click over to see if you’re correct.

If you guessed Baby Boomers, you’d be correct, at least according to a recent survey of 874 adults by The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America.

Check the stats. When asked whether they were “highly confident” in their ability to make the right benefits decisions:

96% of Millennials said “yes”
66% of Gen Xers said “yes,” and
64% of Baby Boomers said “yes.”

All things considered, however, those numbers appear somewhat positive — until you see what the rest of the survey revealed:

80% of employees said they spend less than a total of two hours evaluating their insurance options
Only 32% of employees described their approach to open enrollment as one that incorporates “careful review,” and
Millennials are more likely than older workers to say they carefully selected their benefits (50% v. 30% of Gen Xers and 31% of Baby Boomers).
A smaller percentage of Millennials (78%) are enrolled in available benefits compared to their co-workers — 92% for Gen Xers and Baby Boomers combined. In particular, fewer Millennials are signing up for life insurance (46% v. 71%) and disability (53% v. 68%).

Is that holiday gift taxable? Here’s how to tell

2011-12-28T07:43:00.000-08:00

December 21, 2011 by Christian Schappel

Cash gifts – you know they’re taxable. But what about non-cash holiday gifts? The answer: It depends.

If they’re large, with a value in excess of $100, the employer must report the value of the gift on the recipient’s W-2 and withhold the appropriate amount of taxes.

Smaller gifts like flowers, fruit, books, snacks and the occasional tickets to entertainment events are considered de minimus fringe benefits by the IRS and are not subject to taxation.

The IRS also says it does not consider holiday parties to be a form of taxable compensation, as long as they are “reasonable.”

Click Here for the full article and useful links!

Tip Tuesday! The big chill: Be cautious for your heart

2011-12-27T07:45:00.000-08:00

By William Weese, M.D.

Getting out on a wintry, brisk day can be invigorating. But, there's one thing you should know: The cold can also be hard on your heart.

Your body needs to work harder to stay warm in cold weather. Adding physical activity on top of that increases your heart's workload.

If you have heart disease, the combination of frosty temperatures and vigorous activity can be particularly dangerous. For example, you might raise your risk of a heart attack, if you:

Shovel after a heavy or wet snowfall
Trudge through snowdrifts — or wet, thick snow
Overdo it with a cold-weather activity — such as cross-country skiing or snowshoeing

Click Here for more tips and information plus the full article.

Satisfaction scores fall, Workers planning to quit increase: 4 reasons

2011-12-23T08:18:00.000-08:00

December 14, 2011 by Christian Schappel

Employees are growing unhappier by the minute.

Nearly one in three (32%) of workers is considering leaving his/her job, according to a recent Mercer Study of 2,400 U.S. workers. That’s a sharp increase from the 23% that said they’d leave their jobs in 2005.

Who’s the most likely to leave?

Younger employees — 40% of those age 25 to 34 intend to quit, as well as 44% of employees 24 and younger.
Men — 34% of men intend to leave their employers v. 30% of women.
Managers — 37% of managers intend to look for work elsewhere v. 30% of non-managers.

Click Here to read more and find out why are so many employees willing to leave their present jobs?

Young adults with health coverage due to reform leaps 2.5M

2011-12-21T08:11:00.000-08:00

December 19, 2011 by Christian Schappel

The latest data from the federal government shows that nearly 2.5 million young adults have acquired medical insurance thanks to the healthcare reform law’s dependent coverage rule.

The rule mandates that medical plans extend benefits to participants children until they reach age 26.

A recent analysis of the rule’s impact by the National Center for Health Statistics shows that from September 2010 (when the law took effect) to June 2011, the percentage of adults age 19 to 25 with health insurance increased from 64%

to 73%, translating into 2.5 million more individuals with coverage.

That’s two-and-a-half times more young adults who’ve obtained coverage than a prior analysis — which the feds released in September — had suggested.

The most recent analysis was the first to compare trends between the 19 to 25 age group and the 26 to 35 age group. It revealed that the percentage of those age 26 to 35 with medical coverage remained stable, while coverage among those in the younger group rose significantly.

The Department of Health and Human Services said in a release: “This comparison makes it clear that the increase in coverage among 19- to 25-year-olds can be directly attributed to the Affordable Care Act’s new dependent-coverage provision.”

Click Here for the original article and more links.

Tip Tuesday! 8 everyday tips to get more whole grain

2011-12-20T08:05:00.000-08:00

By Melanie R. Polk, M.M.Sc., R.D., F.A.D.A.

Here's a kernel of truth: When it comes to nutrition, whole grains are golden.

Whole grains contain the entire grain kernel — the bran, germ and endosperm. Refined grains, on the other hand, have been milled. This process strips away the bran and germ — and some key nutrients, including fiber.

That helps explain why people who choose whole grains can reap these benefits:

A lower risk of heart disease and diabetes.
Help with weight control — the fiber in whole grains can help you feel full on fewer calories.
Less frequent problems with constipation.

Your whole-grain campaign

According to the latest dietary guidelines, at least half your daily grains should be whole grains. Here are some simple ways to meet that goal:

1. Stock your pantry. See "A handy whole-grain shopping list" at right for some ideas on what to buy.

2. Shop smart. Items labeled as "multigrain," "stone-ground," "cracked wheat" or "bran" may not contain whole grains. Choose products that list whole or whole grain first on the list of ingredients.

3. Pay attention to percents. Check out the Nutrition Facts label. Look for whole-grain foods that contain 10 percent or more of the Daily Value of fiber.

Click Here for the remaining tips and the complete article!

HR: How much does a bad hire really cost? You might be surprised

2011-12-16T08:07:00.000-08:00

December 8, 2011 by Tim Gould

Even the best companies make a personnel mistake once in a while. But here’s a shocker: More than two thirds of firms in a recent survey said they’d suffered through a bad hire this year.

A new CareerBuilder survey revealed that 68% of employers were affected by a bad hire in the past year — about the same number as 2010.

The worst part: Bad hires are expensive.

Forty percent of employers reported that a new hire typically costs $1,000 or less; 34% said between $1,001 and $5,000, and 27% put that number at more than $5,000

Click Here for the complete article and more information on avoiding bad hires!

FUTA tax bill spikes for employers in 20 states

2011-12-14T08:25:00.000-08:00

December 9, 2011 by Kerry Isberg

Come Jan. 31, employers in 20 states (plus the Virgin Islands) must deposit higher-than-usual Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA) taxes with their Form 940, Employer’s Annual Federal Unemployment (FUTA) tax return.

That’s because with high jobless rates, many states’ unemployment insurance trust funds were depleted. To continue paying benefits to those out of work, many states took on federal loans.

When some states couldn’t pay them back for at least two years, by the repayment deadline of Nov. 10, 2011, they became what’s known as “credit reduction states.” The associated, additional FUTA tax escalates annually, generally 0.3% per year, until states repay their loans.

You’ll find the complete article and a list of the credit reduction states here.

Tip Tuesday! 7 steps to a better doctor visit

2011-12-13T08:03:00.000-08:00

By Karis Gabrielson, R.N.

Picture yourself at your next doctor visit. You're in the exam room — waiting for that light tap at the door before the nurse or doctor comes in.

Stop there. So, how ready are you?

Maybe it seems like a silly question. But, when you go to a visit unprepared, it can create missed opportunities — for you and your doctor. For one, you might not have a lot of time. And, it's easy to forget what you wanted to ask — or to overlook something you should have shared.

Prepare wisely with the following seven steps — and be ready when that door opens.

Before your visit:

1. Do your homework. Bring along information that's helpful to your doctor, including:

A list of the medicines you take. Note prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs — and include vitamins and herbal supplements, too.

Any updates to your personal or family health history. Do certain conditions run in your family, such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer or depression? Has anything changed since your last visit?

Click Here to view all the steps and the full article!

Study: Florida Leads Nation In Getting More Kids Insured

2011-12-09T07:31:00.000-08:00

By Phil Galewitz

Florida leads the nation in reducing the number and rate of uninsured children, according to a study released Tuesday.

From 2008 to 2010, the number of uninsured children in Florida fell by more than 160,000 to 506,934, says the report by researchers at the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families. The state’s rate of uninsured kids dropped from 16.7 percent to 12.7 percent.

Florida was one of 34 states and the District of Columbia to reduce its rate of uninsured children since 2008. But there remain wide differences between states. Nevada has the highest rate of uninsured children — 17.4 percent — while Massachusetts has the lowest at 1.5 percent, according to the study which was based on an analysis of Census data. Texas leads the nation in number of uninsured kids with nearly 1 million although it was able to lower its uninsured rate to 14.5 percent from 17 percent.

Nationally, the uninsured rate for children fell from 9 percent to 8 percent from 2008 to 2010, as the number of uninsured children fell by 960,000, the study said.

“I feel very encouraged. This is exciting news,” said Jodi Ray, project director of Florida Covering Kids & Families at the University of South Florida, a statewide coalition that aims to get more children health coverage.

Click here for the entire article!

New Regs To Prep For: 5 Changes Coming in 2012

2011-12-08T08:08:00.000-08:00

November 30, 2011 by Christian Schappel

The new year is just around the corner, and that means a slew of new regulations are about to take effect. Here is what’s on tap for 2012.

W-2 reporting requirements

Employers with 250 or more employees in 2012 will be required to report the cost of employee’s healthcare coverage on workers’ 2013 W-2s.

Small employers can wait another year. Those issuing fewer than 250 W-2s aren’t required to obey the reporting requirements until 2013 W-2s are issued (in 2014). But the IRS has said the reporting requirement for small employers could be pushed back even further.

The requirement to report the cost of health coverage on employees’ W-2s has caused a lot of confusion among workers. One thing you’ll want to tell them: The W-2 reporting requirements do not make workers’ healthcare benefits taxable — they’re simply meant to let employees know how much their coverage costs.

401(k) fee disclosure rules

On Jan. 1, 2012, the retirement plan fee disclosure regs go into effect. But Uncle Sam has given employers 120 days after that date to comply — making the actual compliance deadline April 30, 2012.

Essentially, the rules require plan sponsors to disclose all fees and expenses to participants of 401(k)-type plans. fee disclosure regs

The feds hope that’ll make the plans easier for employees to understand so they can make more informed decisions about where and how to invest their money.

Click Here for more changes and the complete article

New legislation aims to stop impending health insurance tax

2011-12-07T08:56:00.000-08:00

November 28, 2011 by Christian Schappel

After flying under the radar since the passage of healthcare reform, one of the law’s mandates recently sparked a huge controversy and a new piece of legislation.

The reform law’s health insurance tax (HIT) is slated to take effect in 2014. It is a requirement that health insurance companies pay a tax on premiums written in the fully-insured market.

A new bill introduced in the Senate, The Jobs and Premium Protection Act, would repeal the HIT tax.

Opponents of the HIT have said it’s actually a tax on businesses, claiming insurance companies will simply pass the tax along to those purchasing fully-insured health plans — primarily small businesses.

A release on the website of Senator John Barrasso (R-WY), who helped introduce the bill, says 87% of small businesses purchase insurance in the fully-insured market, as do the self-employed and uninsured — and those are the three groups who will be hit hardest by the tax.

Click Here to read the full article.

Tip Tuesday! 5 Instant Natural Energy Boosters

2011-12-06T07:35:00.000-08:00

By Current Health Articles

We all have days when our energy is low. Days when we have an insanely busy day, a full schedule, or are suffering from lack of sleep and an energy slump strikes mid-afternoon. Here are some instant ways to put a spring back into our step even on the days when we feel dog-tired.

1. Drink more water.
Dehydration causes fatigue, so keep your body hydrated throughout the day. Caffeine can jumpstart your body initially but too much, and you’ll see your energy levels plummet. Start your day with a glass of water, enjoy your daily coffee fix if you must, then switch back to water.

2. Stretch.
Regular stretching not only keeps your muscles and tendons healthy, it also keeps the brain’s arteries unclogged. Maintaining a free flow of oxygenated blood to your most vital organ is an excellent way to increase vigor in your life.

Click Here for the complete list!

6 Things Employees Want From Health Plans

2011-12-05T08:27:00.000-08:00

November 30, 2011 by Christian Schappel

Good news: Employees admit they are willing to do more to improve their health and become better healthcare consumers. They also admit they understand wellness programs can help them get healthier and hold down costs. But here’s the rub:

Employees want some extras from employer-provided health plans before their attitudes and actions change about health care.

Recently 3,000 consumers (employees and their dependents) were polled by Aon Hewitt, in conjunction with the National Business Group on Health and The Futures Company to assess their perspectives, behaviors and attitudes toward health and wellness programs.

Click Here for the top six things respondents said they need from their employer-provided health plans and the full article with links!

Massive HSA analysis reveals true impact: 9 stats you should see

2011-12-02T07:48:00.000-08:00

November 21, 2011 by Christian Schappel

There are two reasons an employer would want to enroll workers into a high-deductible health plan (HDHP) with a health savings account (HSA): Lower costs and get employees to become smarter healthcare consumers. And new research shows those two goals are being met.

The concept behind HDHPs is simple: In exchange for lower premiums, enrollees pay more out of pocket for the health services they use. And when people spend more of their own money on health care, they’ll shop around for lower prices, cut back on care that isn’t medically necessary a

nd take better care of themselves.

Mission accomplished

Turns out HDHPs attached to HSAs are doing that and much more, according to one of the most expansive research projects ever conducted on the subject of HDHPs and HSAs. It was conducted by Buck Consultants and generated responses from more than 14,000 HSA account holders and 300 employers.

Click Here for the results and the full article.

Taxable wage base for 2012: What Payroll needs to know

2011-11-30T08:17:00.000-08:00

Here’s one important piece of info you can pass along to Payroll to help them better prepare for 2012.

The Social Security Administration has just issued the taxable wage base for next year.

Starting in 2012, the amount of employees’ pay that’s subject to social security tax will be $110,000.

That’s a significant increase from this year’s amount of $106,800. It’s based on the increase in average employee wages.

So for 2012, the maximum social security tax employees and employers will each pay is $6,826.20.

Note: It may be good idea to remind Payroll that there’s no limit to the wages that are subject to Medicare tax, which means your firm must take the 1.45% tax off all covered wages.

Click Here for the original article and important links!

Tip Tuesday! Commit to be fit – and fight cancer while you’re at it

2011-11-29T08:05:00.000-08:00

By Tanise Edwards, M.D.

You know every step you take is good for you. Movement is great for your heart, lungs, muscles and mood ... and the list goes on. But, exercise can protect your health in an important way you might not realize.

It may be an impressive cancer fighter.

According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, regular physical activity can lower your risk of certain cancers. For example, research shows that:

Devoted fitness buffs may reduce their risk of colon cancer by up to 40 percent

Active women are less likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer than those who are less active

Exercise may also lower the risk of lung, prostate and endometrial cancers

How does working out protect against cancer?

First, it helps keep pounds from piling on. And, that's key because excess body fat increases the risk of several types of cancers.

Exercise also boosts your immune system. It can improve your cells' ability to fight off disease. And, being active may also help control hormone levels in your blood. Some of these may contribute to tumor growth.

Click Here to learn more and find more useful links!

2011 has been a record year for EEOC

2011-11-25T07:51:00.000-08:00

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission handled almost 100,000 discrimination cases — a new record — in Fiscal 2011. And it also managed to achieve a 10% decrease in its “pending charge inventory” — the backlog of cases waiting for resolution.

Frankly, we’re not sure whether this is good news for employers or not.

The EEOC received a record 99,947 charges of discrimination in fiscal year 2011, which ended Sept. 30.

The agency also garnered $364.6 million in monetary benefits for victims of workplace discrimination — the biggest total in the agency’s 46-year history.

The fiscal year ended with 78,136 pending charges—a decrease of 8,202 charges, or ten percent. In previous years, the pending inventory had increased as staffing declined 30% between fiscal years 2000 and 2008.

For the complete article and a closer look at the EEOC numbers Click Here!

Twelve for ’12: A Dozen Ideas for Flexible Benefits

2011-11-24T07:37:00.000-08:00

The year 2011 will soon be in the history books so it is not too early to work on the master “to do” list for 2012. Here are a dozen suggestions for benefits and insurance professionals who are involved with flexible benefits, by Rich Glass, JD, Chief Compliance Officer, Infinisource, Inc.

Keep an eye on the agencies. We expect major guidance to be issued in 2012. Look for final rules on nondiscrimination testing for fully insured plans (a new Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) requirement that was delayed by Notice 2011-1) and cafeteria plans, updating the proposed cafeteria plan regulations the IRS issued in 2007.
It’s not as easy as S-B-C. Effective March 23, 2012, group health plans must provide a Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC). The PPACA limits the document to four pages in 12-point font. The rules don’t apply to health flexible spending accounts (FSAs), but they might apply to health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs).

For the complete master “to do” list, Click Here!

Managing Diabetes: The Oral-Vision Connection

2011-11-23T08:32:00.000-08:00

Many are aware of serious diabetes-related complications such as heart disease, nerve damage, and limb amputation. However, people may not be aware of how diabetes can affect oral and visual health.

November is National Diabetes Month, and primary care physicians, dentists and eye-care specialists are ur

ging people to schedule regular checkups. For people with diabetes, these visits can help regulate the disease’s impact on dental, visual and overall health. For people who are not aware that they might have diabetes, certain signs and symptoms can help diagnose the disease.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one-quarter of the 26 million Americans with diabetes, and 90 percent of the 79 million adults with prediabetes, are unaware of their condition.

"There are many people who do not know that they have diabetes, or are at risk for developing diabetes, and this puts a premium on diagnosis. The eyes and mouth can be a window into your health," says Michael D. Weitzner, DMD, MS, vice president of National Clinical Operations for United Healthcare’s dental business.

Click here for the complete article and useful links.

Tip Tuesday! Top 6 retirement expenses employees overlook

2011-11-22T08:10:00.000-08:00

The vast majority of your employees don’t want to work during their golden years – no matter how much they love their jobs. They want to sip margaritas on some tropical beach. And to help them get there, make sure they’re planning for these expenses.

The financial wizards over at Investopedia.com identified five retirement expenses workers overlook most often when calculating what they’ll need in retirement.

In addition, we’ve added one of our own to the mix.

Expenses to plan for

Planning for these will increase retirees’ comfort and stability in retirement:

Medical costs. It’s no secret these are skyrocketing. One thing workers need to do: Look at their own health risks, genetic info and family medical history, and ask themselves if Medicare will meet all of their needs. If not, it’s time to look at other forms of coverage (and how much they cost) to fill in the gaps.
Housing expenses. One great piece of advice from the pros at Investopedia: Workers should get their homes in resale condition before they retire. This will cut down on maintenance costs in retirement. Roofs, windows and home mechanicals are expensive. It’s also smart to set aside funds for upkeep (like landscaping and snow removal) in case retirees become unable to do it themselves.
Taxes. Remember: The funds withdrawn from a 401(k) are subject to taxes. So a balance of $500,000 isn’t really worth $500,000 in spending money.

Click here for the complete list and links.

3 snooze myths exposed

2011-11-18T07:54:00.000-08:00

By William Weese, M.D.

If you're like many people, you're busy — make that super-busy. And, because you can't add hours to the day, you might skimp on the time you spend sleeping. Or, maybe you're a night owl who doesn't give a hoot about a reasonable bedtime.

The thing is, though, your body can't actually do more with less. To be at your best, put these sleep myths to rest:

Myth 1: Sleep isn't productive time
Actually, a healthy dose of sleep helps you learn, focus and make good decisions when you're awake. Getting enough sleep also reduces your risk of health problems, including diabetes and heart disease.

To reap these and other benefits, most adults need seven to eight hours a night.

Click Here for more 'Sleep Myths' and Sleep health from A to ZZZs

2 weight-wise numbers to know

2011-11-17T07:56:00.000-08:00

By Michael W. Rosen, M.D.

Stepping on the scale. It's a morning ritual for many.

Yet, what the scale shows is just a number. It doesn't necessarily tell you if you're at a healthy weight. That's where two other simple measurements — body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference — can help.

Why these numbers matter
BMI is an estimate of body fat based on height and weight. Having too much excess fat raises your risk of health problems, including:

Type 2 diabetes
Heart disease and stroke
Certain types of cancer, including breast and colon
Osteoarthritis

And, where you carry your extra weight may be important, too. For example, if it's mostly around your middle, you're at a higher risk for diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

Click Here for more information and the complete article with links.

Unemployment tax in Florida may rise sharply in 2012

2011-11-16T08:09:00.000-08:00

If the Florida Legislature makes no changes, employers throughout the state will see significantly higher unemployment tax bills.

BY MICHAEL PELTIER

THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA

TALLAHASSEE -- Business owners who two years ago paid $8.40 per employee in unemployment taxes will see their bill go up to $172 starting Jan. 1 as the state continues to reel from a lingering recession, sluggish payroll growth and double digit unemployment.

Meeting Thursday to tweak estimates for the coming year and beyond, members of the revenue estimating conference were updated on a matrix of collections and payout data that call for rates to go up nearly $100 per employee from 2011 figures to a group of employers that pay the minimum fee.

If no changes are made, employers will see their bills go up based on two major factors. The figure used to calculate payments will increase from $7,000 to $8,500, an increase that will boost the maximum rate per employee from $378 to $459. For the approximately 220,000 employers who now pay at the minimum tax rate, the $1,500 threshold increase, coupled with a higher effective tax rate, will boost their 2012 tax bill from $72.10 per employees to $171.70.

Click Here to read more.

Tip Tuesday! 2 New Places To Uncover Health Savings

2011-11-15T07:30:00.000-08:00

November 9, 2011 by Christian Schappel

Separate studies have uncovered two new things employers should be doing that can start saving them big bucks on healthcare costs.

They are:

1. Helping the aging retire on time

It’s no secret employees are planning to retire later. That may be better for workers’ 401(k)s, but it’s bad news for your health plan.

After analyzing its client data, Lockton Retirement Services found healthcare costs for employees over the age of 65 are more than double that of employees age 45 to 55.

In addition, a National Council on Compensation Insurance study found the average claim costs for older employees hurt in a work-related accident were more than twice as high as claim costs for younger workers ($27,000 v. $12,000 on average).

The solutions: Help employees improve their retirement outlook — whether it’s by reinstating or upping a 401(k) match, or providing more retirement or investment education.

The long-term savings of such programs could vastly outweigh the short-term costs.

2. Provide urgent care education

Trips to the emergency room aren’t cheap. But when employees seek spur-of-the-moment medical treatment, or treatment during odd hours (like early in the morning or late at night), the emergency room is where they often turn.

One reason: They are unaware that they could be using less-expensive urgent care facilities instead.

Click Here for the complete article and related stories.

Overscheduled kids: Is your child too busy?

2011-11-11T07:01:00.000-08:00

By Arleen Fitzgerald, L.I.C.S.W.

Lessons. Clubs. Sports. Add school and homework into the mix. Stir in haphazard meals on the go — and lack of sleep — and ... voilà!

You have a classic recipe for one overscheduled, burned-out kid.

Of course, some kids cope well when there's a lot going on. But, others struggle. An overflowing plate can take a toll on anyone's well-being — whether you're 7 years old, 17 or 47! It can lead to anxiety, depression, fatigue, and frequent headaches and stomachaches.

Do you think your child is doing too much? Here are some tips on taking a look at activities — and striking a healthier balance: Click here for the tips and the full article.

Tactic to bolster HSA participation some companies don’t use

2011-11-10T08:37:00.000-08:00

November 3, 2011 by Christian Schappel

Consistently encouraging employees to contribute to a health savings account (HSA) will only go so far. The best way to max out HSA participation rates is to stress its effectiveness as a retirement tool.

Here’s one thing many employees don’t know about HSAs: The funds left in them are not lost, they continue to grow.

The best way to relay that message to employees: Tell them HSAs work just like a 401(k), but with one big advantage — the tax-deferred funds that are put into the HSA can be withdrawn tax free when used to pay for qualified healthcare expenses.

And if a withdraw is made for another reason — say to pay for food, housing or a vacation — the money is taxed the same as a 401(k) withdrawal.

Now if employees wanted to use money from a 401(k) or IRA to pay for medical expenses, that money will be taxed as income by the IRS.

For the complete article and more related stories, Click Here!

Employees happy with benefits value, recommit to saving

2011-11-09T07:36:00.000-08:00

November 4, 2011 by Christian Schappel

Nobody’s happy when the out-of-pocket costs they pay for their benefits increase (likely a common occurrence this year). But employees don’t seem to be unhappy with what they’re getting in return.

The number of employees who say the coverage they receive in exchange for the out-of-pocket costs they pay (including premiums) is “definitely worth it” or “probably worth it” is on the rise according to a recent Mercer study, which drew on survey data from multiple studies dating back to the spring of 2001.

In 2011, 86% of employees said what they pay out-of-pocket for their health benefits is “probably” or “definitely” worth it for the coverage they get. That’s compared to 83% in 2010, 73% in 2008, 69% in 2007, 78% in 2006 and 72% in 2005.

For some other interesting findings from the study and the complete article Click Here!

Tip Tuesday! 4 habits that are hard on bones

2011-11-08T07:27:00.000-08:00

By Karis Gabrielson, R.N.

Strong, silent types. That's really what we should hope for when it comes to our bones. We want them to carry us through life — uncomplaining — to keep us moving and standing tall.

But, what if our bones could speak up? They just might have something to say about our habits — the things we do that are hard on them.

Stealers vs. builders

Bone is living tissue that renews itself. When more is lost than built, osteoporosis can develop. This means your bones are weak and brittle — and more prone to breaking, even from minor impacts.

Click Here for the full article and chart.

US Labor Department publishes final regulation to improve access to quality investment advice

2011-11-04T08:53:00.000-07:00

Regulation implements prohibited transaction exemption under 2006 Pension Protection Act

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor's Employee Benefits Security Administration today issued a final regulation that will enhance retirement security by improving workers' access to quality fiduciary investment advice. The regulation implements a prohibited transaction exemption under an amendment to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act and the Internal Revenue Code that is part of the Pension Protection Act of 2006.

"Given the rise in participation in 401(k)-type plans and IRAs, the retirement security of millions of America's workers increasingly depends on their investment decisions," said EBSA Assistant Secretary Phyllis C. Borzi. "This rule will make high-quality fiduciary investment advice more accessible, while providing important safeguards to minimize potential conflicts of interest."

The prohibited transaction rules in ERISA and the IRC generally prevent a fiduciary investment adviser from recommending plan investment options if the adviser receives additional fees from the investment providers. Although these rules protect participants from conflicts of interest, ERISA provides exemptions from the rules in appropriate circumstances and permits the department to grant exemptions that have participant-protective conditions. The new regulation implements an exemption that Congress enacted as part of the Pension Protection Act of 2006 to improve participant access to fiduciary investment advice, which contains certain safeguards and conditions to prevent investment advisers from providing biased advice that is not in a participant's best interest.

Click here to read more...

IRS sets 2012 benefits limits

2011-11-02T07:32:00.000-07:00

The Internal Revenue Service’s cost-of-living adjustments affecting dollar limitations for defined contribution and pension plans have been released. The IRS also made a few other changes employees will need to know about.

The 2012 retirement plan limits:

401(k), 403(b) and 457 plan deferrals. The largest annual contribution an employee can make through salary deferrals has increased to $17,000. That’s up from $16,500 in 2011.
Catch-up contributions. The catch-up contribution limit for those 50 and older is unchanged at $5,500.
Maximum contributions. The limit on what can be added to a defined contribution plan will increase to $50,000 from $49,000.
Maximum pension benefits. The limit on the annual benefit under a defined benefit plan will increase to $200,000 from $195,000.

Other key changes

Two other changes employers need to be aware of:

Definition of a highly compensated employee. The earning threshold used in the definition of a highly compensated employee has been increased to $115,000 from $110,000.
Benefits calculation. The amount of employee compensation that can be considered in calculating pension benefits and compensation to plans will rise to $250,000 from $245,000.

Click here for the original article and more links!

Tip Tuesday! Wellness: Use of incentives (and penalties) climbing - because they work

2011-11-01T10:38:00.000-07:00

October 27, 2011 by Christian Schappel

Between 2009 and 2011, the use of financial rewards in health management programs increased by 50%. Meanwhile, the use of penalties increased by more than 100%, according to a new study.

The numbers show employers are starting to quickly warm up to the idea of penalizing workers for not participating in wellness programs — or not meeting certain health goals.

The findings are from The Towers Watson/National Business Group on Health Staying@Work study of 248 U.S. companies.

A year from now, four in five companies expect to offer some type of financial reward for wellness/health management participation. But more surprising, the use of penalties is expected to double again (this time, in just one year) — with 38% of companies planning to use them in 2012, compared to 19% today.

What isn’t a surprise is why so many employers are using financial incentive/penalties to drive participation: They work!

Check out these stats:

Among employers offering financial incentives to take health-risk appraisals, employee participation rates are 46% on average — compared to 19% at companies not offering incentives
Participation in biometric screenings for those giving out cash to take them is 45% — compared to 25% for those keeping their wallets closed, and
Participation rates are low for all disease management programs designed to deal chronic conditions at 14%, but providing financial incentives provide a slight bump in participation rates to 16%.

For the complete article and links Click Here.

Florida Readies Its Own Health Insurance Exchange

2011-10-28T08:03:00.000-07:00

By Phil Galewitz

KHN Staff Writer

OCT 09, 2011

ORLANDO, Fla.--Florida, which is fighting to overturn the federal health overhaul, is preparing to launch an insurance marketplace early next year that looks like a distant cousin of the ones being created under the federal law.

Florida's version aims to give small businesses – those with 50 or fewer employees – an online tool where they can easily shop for health plans offered in their county. The idea, backers say, is to entice employers who otherwise wouldn’t bother to offer coverage.

Florida would be the third state – and by far the largest — with an insurance exchange, following Massachusetts and Utah. The Florida program is a public-private partnership.

But there are key differences between Florida's exchange and the type that will be available in 2014 in all states through the federal law:

--Florida’s exchange is open only to small employers, not to individuals.

--The federal law provides subsidies to help lower-income individuals buy coverage through the exchange, and tax credits to some small businesses that cover their workers. Florida does not.

--The federal law requires health plans to offer certain "essential health benefits." Florida does not.

Participation in Florida's exchange is voluntary for both insurers and small businesses. But it is drawing only tepid support from health plans and insurance agents. That’s because both would pay a price for participating: Health plans would pay the exchange 2 percent of the premium for every policy sold through the exchange, and agents would pay $300 a year to sell policies through the exchange.

Ken Stevenson, a Tallahassee, Fla., insurance agent, says these extra costs, which would likely be passed on to employers, could end up making health coverage in Florida's exchange more expensive than policies sold outside it.

"It defeats the whole purpose of having this," he said.

Michael Garner, CEO of the Florida Association of Health Plans, said the insurance industry supports the concept of the marketplace, although key details have to be worked out. "There's no silver bullet, but anything that offers more alternatives to employers can make it more likely they will take up coverage," he said.

Still, a top official with a large Florida insurer said the industry remains unconvinced that selling coverage through the exchange would offer any advantages over selling outside. He spoke on the conditionof anonymity because his company is part of an exchange advisory group.

For the past three years the Sunshine State has had the third highest uninsured rate in the country, after Texas and New Mexico, according to Census data. More than 21 percent of Florida residents under 65 are uninsured, or about 3.8 million people.

Premiums for a family health plan in Florida offered by employers with fewer than 50 workers increased 21 percent from 2003 to 2009, according to a report by the Commonwealth Fund. That is below the 29 percent national average. But Florida is one of 16 states and the District of Columbia where the average annual premium for family coverage equaled 19.9 percent or more of median household income, the fund stated.

Florida's Republican leaders are staunchly opposed to the federal health law. Then-Attorney General Bill McCollum was quick to file suit against it last year and 25 other states joined in the effort. Gov. Rick Scott turned away millions of dollars in federal health law grants, including money that would help establish a state insurance exchange that meets federal requirements. Florida is also seeking a waiver from the law's requirement that insurers spend at least 80 percent of premium revenue on health costs.

Efforts by states to set up an exchange under the federal health law have been slow getting off the ground. So far about a dozen states have passed legislation enabling an exchange, and Rhode Island is establishing one through executive order.

Massachusetts' and Utah's exchanges, which have been running for a couple years, are quite different. The Massachusetts exchange, known as the Connector, solicits bids from insurers and negotiates prices and benefits to keep costs down and requires insurers to offer standardized policies. The Utah exchange accepts any health plan as long as they meet some minimal requirements and doesn't restrict the products they offer. Florida is being modeled after the Utah exchange.

The Florida initiative, which officials refuse to label an exchange, predates the federal law. The program, known as Florida Health Choices, was created in 2008 at the urging of then-Florida House Speaker Marco Rubio, a Republican who is now a U.S. senator.

The program initially languished, but in recent months a company was hired to administer it, insurers have begun to submit benefit and cost data, and officials plan to make the site live in early 2012, according to Rose Naff, executive director of Florida Health Choices.

"We are making significant progress," she said.

The exchange will sell policies to employers with four to 50 workers. Employers will be able to get a base premium from the Web site but will have to work with a participating agent to get exact prices, which vary based on the age and health of employees.

Naff cited two big advantages of the exchange: Employers can fill out one application to apply for coverage at multiple insurers, and they will be able to offer up to four different health plans to their workers.

Yet small businesses are not showing much enthusiasm for Florida Health Choices. Bill Herrle, executive director of the Florida chapter of the National Federation of Independent Business, said it will still be difficult to compare plans, because there are no standard policies for carriers to offer. In addition, he said, the exchange won't directly lower premium costs.

"It will have minimal effect," he said.

Naff acknowledges that her exchange could be short lived or forced to make major changes in 2014, when the federal government will offer an exchange meeting requirements of the ACA in states that fail to do so on their own. "There are a lot of unanswered questions. … If there is a federal exchange in Florida, we may have to evolve into something else," she said.

Click here for links related to this article and more information.

Obama pulls plug on part of health overhaul law

2011-10-26T08:05:00.000-07:00

By RICARDO ALONSO-ZALDIVAR Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The White House appeared to waffle Monday on the fate of a financially troubled long-term care program in President Barack Obama's health overhaul law, as supporters and foes heaped criticism on the administration.

At stake is the CLASS Act, a major new program intended to provide affordable long-term care insurance. Last Friday, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said the administration would not proceed with the plan because she has been unable to find a way to make the program financially solvent.

On Monday, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office issued a ruling that cleared the way for repealing the CLASS Act, but the administration rejected that step - and created considerable confusion. Backers and opponents said the White House is trying to have it both ways.

"I feel like somebody just called me about how to do really good pet care after they shot my dog," said Larry Minnix, president of LeadingAge, a trade group representing non-profit nursing homes, which are strong supporters of CLASS.

Paying for long-term care for a frail, elderly family member is a major financial dilemma for America's middle class. Medicare only covers short-term nursing home stays, for patients in rehab. And to become eligible for Medicaid, people have to spend most of their assets, akin to impoverishing themselves. The Community Living Assistance Services and Supports program was supposed to help provide an answer.

A long-standing priority of the late Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, it was supposed to function as a self-sustaining voluntary insurance plan, open to working adults regardless of age or health.

Workers would pay an affordable monthly premium during their careers and could collect a modest daily cash benefit of at least $50 if they became disabled later in life. The money could go for services at home or to help with nursing home bills.

But a central design flaw dogged CLASS. Unless large numbers of healthy people willingly sign up during their working years, soaring premiums driven by the needs of disabled beneficiaries would destabilize it, eventually requiring a taxpayer bailout.

After months insisting that could be fixed, Sebelius finally acknowledged Friday she didn't see how.

"Despite our best analytical efforts, I do not see a viable path forward for CLASS implementation at this time," she said in a letter to congressional leaders.

Officials said they discovered they could not make CLASS both affordable and financially solvent while keeping it a voluntary program open to virtually all workers, as the law required. The law mandated that the administration certify CLASS would remain financially solvent for 75 years before putting it into place.

As long as CLASS remained a possibility - even on paper - Republicans pushing its repeal would have had to come up with $86 billion in savings attributed to the program in its first 10 years, when income from premiums would more than cover benefit costs.

But the budget office said Monday that since the administration is not going ahead with CLASS, a repeal bill doesn't need offsetting savings. Instead, the CBO will raise its estimate of the deficit.

That ruling removed a major obstacle for repeal, and Republicans vowed to press ahead. The administration balked.

"We do not support repeal," White House spokesman Nick Papas said Monday. "Repealing the CLASS Act isn't necessary or productive. What we should be doing is working together to address the long-term care challenges we face in this country."

He declined to answer if the president would veto a repeal bill.

Republicans said at a time of record deficits, the administration is now in a position of saying it wants to keep alive a program it acknowledges would probably go bust.

"It defies logic for the White House to admit this part of their health spending bill would put an unsustainable burden on taxpayers, yet demand it stay on the books," said Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky.

Adding to the uncertainty, a top technical expert who worked on CLASS financing for the administration appeared to contradict Sebelius' conclusions. Robert Yee, an actuary who specializes in long-range financial planning, said Monday that he had found a possible path forward. Yee's ideas would involve marketing the plan first to groups of primarily healthy people, and also possibly requiring those in poor health to wait longer before they could receive benefits.

It was unclear whether either of those approaches would be acceptable to the coalition of CLASS supporters - or Sebelius and the administration.

Supporters of the program say the administration will pay a political price if it tosses out the long-term care plan. AARP, the seniors lobby, has called the decision by Sebelius premature

"If they said they want to hibernate it for a couple of years, that would be clearer than what they are saying now," said Minnix.

Click here for a video, links and the original AP article.

Tip Tuesday: Should employers require employees to have flu vaccinations?

2011-10-25T08:12:00.000-07:00

Experts: Encourange, Don't Require, Flu Shots

Thinking about requiring your employees to get flu shots? It’s tempting: A survey from Walgreen’s drugstore chain found that companies paid more than $10 billion in paid sick days during the 2010-11 flu season.

But the legal headaches from mandating the vaccination might be more painful than the aches and chills of the flu itself, said Edel Cuadra, a partner in the Dallas office of national labor and employment law firm Constangy, Brooks & Smith, LLP. Forcing employees to get flu shots brings up issues with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA).

“Any time you have a policy without wiggle room, you’re going to get yourself in trouble,” Cuadra said. “There are exceptions to every rule.”

Employees can have medical or religious reasons for refusing a vaccination. For example, people with allergies to eggs (the vaccine is grown in chicken eggs) or with a history of Guillain-Barre syndrome should not get the flu shot. Religious reasons include not wanting to receive a vaccination because some faiths have tenets that prohibit invasions of the body or that disallow animals to have been harmed in the making of the vaccine.

Some health care businesses have required their employees to be vaccinated or wear a surgical mask for the flu season—which can last for several months. A clinic in Boston saw its percentage of vaccinated employees jump from 70 percent to 96 percent when it imposed this requirement. However, Cuadra discourages the practice.

“That’s like a scarlet letter—it singles (the unvaccinated employees) out for adverse treatment from co-workers,” Cuadra said. “That’s not going to be good for morale.”

And those employers will run up against the ADAAA, Cuadra said, because unvaccinated employees might then be “regarded as” having the flu, especially if they make the employees wear a mask.

A better way to encourage employees to get the flu shot is through education and incentives, Cuadra said. If employers want to require employees to get the vaccine, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration encourages employers to educate the recipients on the benefits of the vaccine.

“Get the employee buy-in; that’s critical. Otherwise, [demanding the vaccination] is invasive and overstepping,” Cuadra said.

Employers can offer time off to go get the shot or as a reward for getting vaccinated, a monetary reward, or a casual dress day if the employee gets the shot before a certain deadline, he suggested. One colleague who works at a nursing home arranged a pizza party in conjunction with on-site flu shots, Cuadra said. Employees lined up for their flu shot, then lined up for their free lunch.

“It worked wonderfully, and everyone was grateful for it,” Cuadra said.

As a disincentive, employees who don’t get the shot could be required to take time off with a notice of violating policy or a failure to adhere to the policy slipped into their personnel folders. But firing employees for not getting the shot might be a step too far, Cuadra said.

“You’re going to get in more trouble, taking that stance,” he said.

Click here for the complete article, links and credits.

HR’s newest technological tussle: Smartphone and iPads

2011-10-21T08:32:00.000-07:00

May 31, 2011 by Tim Gould

Just when you thought you’d made the workplace safe for social media, up pops a new technological headache.

More and more people are starting to use smartphones and tablets — not just in their personal lives, but for work purposes.

That spells trouble for companies – not just in terms of work time wasted, but also in security problems and policy violations.

HR should partner with IT to create a sound smartphone and tablet use policy, and work to communicate that policy effectively to staffers.

Three tips on how to handle smartphones and tablets in the workplace, courtesy of Philip Gordon on the Workplace Privacy Counsel blog:

Get consent so you can access the device if necessary. Just as you may need to look at the contents of a staffer’s computer in the event of a workplace investigation, so too might you need to get info off of a staffer’s personal device.
The problem: Unlike company-issued computers or phones, you have no right to access a worker’s personal device – even if you have a legitimate business purpose.
There is one way around that, however. Notify employees for whom you’ve given consent to use devices at work that if they refuse to allow you to access their device, you can discipline them up to and including firing them.

Keep employees in the know. It’s likely on HR to let employees know about policy changes, and that remains the same for access and use of personal devices like iPads or iPhones both at and for work.
The main concern with personal devices in the workplace: Since they can be used activities like peer-to-peer file sharing, downloading games or viewing pornography that are, well, not so appropriate for work, they can infect a company’s network with viruses.
One solution: Have staffers load an approved virus protection software onto their personal devices to protect your corporate network.
How will you get info back from employees if they’re fired?You likely have a policy in place about how to retrieve documents and certain electronic info in the unfortunate instance an employee gets canned.
Now you’ve got to add a new wrinkle to that policy if employees have been using their personal smartphones or tablets for work — otherwise, those staffers could walk off with your data.
Best bet: As part of the exit interview process, add a policy about reviewing an employee device before they walk out the door.

For more information and the complete article Click Here.

7 steps to shoo the flu

2011-10-20T08:12:00.000-07:00

By Karis Gabrielson, R.N.

As the flu season gets underway, take a minute to remind yourself how you can stay well. These seven steps can help protect you, your family — and others, too:

1. Get vaccinated. A yearly vaccine is the No. 1 line of defense against the flu. It's recommended for most people ages 6 months and older.

2. Wash up. Put a stop to viruses and other germs with regular hand-washing. If soap and water aren't available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer instead.

3. Don't be too touchy-feely. Try not to touch your eyes, nose and mouth with your hands.

4. Wipe 'em out. Viruses can survive on surfaces for days. So, regularly use a household disinfectant to clean objects that people handle frequently — such as doorknobs, remote controls and computer keyboards.

5. Steer clear. As much as possible, avoid people who are ill.

6. Lay low. Except for medical visits and other necessities, avoid going out until you're better. A general guideline: Stay home until you're fever-free for at least 24 hours — without the help of a fever-reducing medicine.

7. Cover it! Cough or sneeze into a tissue or your arm. And, follow up with a thorough hand-washing.

To get the latest information on the 2011-2012 flu season — including where to find the flu clinics near you — Click here!

Benefits confuse 3 in 4 workers: What you can do now

2011-10-19T08:23:00.000-07:00

October 12, 2011 by Christian Schappel

One stat you’ll want to keep in mind when preparing for open enrollment: 76% of employees who make decisions about their benefits coverage say they’ve made mistakes selecting benefits options.

What’s worse: 42% say they’ve lost money because of those mistakes.

That’s according to the 2011 Aflac WorkForces Report, which surveyed 2,220 U.S. adult workers.

Clearly, employees are confused. Check this out:

74% say when thinking about their benefits choices, they sometimes, rarely or never understand everything that’s covered by their policy options — particularly when it comes to health coverage, and
59% of those who choose the same benefits every year sometimes, rarely or never have a full understanding of the changes in the policies each year.

What to do next

There’s still time to bolster your benefits communications this year.

Five best practices:

Survey your employees. Before putting together this year’s open enrollment materials, find out what caused the most problems/confusion last year by surveying workers.
Create an FAQ. Chances are you spend a lot of time fielding the same questions every year. Save yourself some time by taking those questions and creating a Frequently Asked Questions handout you can distribute during open enrollment.
Communicate year-round. Handing employees a think packet of information is overwhelming, and many just won’t take the time to read through it thoroughly. One way to get employees to absorb everything is to give it to them in bite-size chucks throughout the year. Create a blog on your company intranet and use it to post one short (500 words max) educational article every week or so. You’ll also want to post a glossary of benefits terms on the intranet — but even with it, you’ll want to make sure you use benefits jargon sparingly in your communications.
Explain healthcare reform. Not much has happened with healthcare reform this year, but employees are still hearing about it through the media. Keep them abreast of what’s going on — even if you have to say, “Nothing’s going on.” The aforementioned blog would be a great place to do this.
Promote cost-cutting tactics. More employers say they’ll push more health insurance costs onto their employees in 2012. To ease the blow, explain how they can keep their out-of-pocket costs down — by switching to generics, participating in wellness programs and taking advantage of flexible spending/health savings accounts. This can ease a lot of the frustration associated with health benefits and help employees make decisions about their options more clearly.

Click here for the original article and links.

Tip Tuesday: 7 days – 7 ways – to help kids thrive

2011-10-18T07:40:00.000-07:00

By Michael W. Rosen, M.D.

Raising kids to have good health habits is sometimes easier said than done. Maybe your child's frantic morning hunt for a misplaced backpack bumps a healthy breakfast. Or, you may have a child who seems much more fond of lounging on the couch than riding a bike.

But, even if every day isn't pure perfection, it's still important to do what you can to promote healthful behaviors. Take food and activity, for example. The habits your children establish now can help them maintain a healthy weight — possibly for years to come.

So, how about taking a week to try out a few good habits? Just take it one day at a time:

Monday: Add berries to your child's breakfast cereal. Bonus points: Make it a low-sugar whole-grain cereal — served with low-fat milk.

A habit to hold on to: Give your kids a nutritious start to the day.

Tuesday: Put the kids in charge of setting the table for dinner together.

A habit to hold on to: Enjoy more shared mealtimes each week. Families who do tend to eat better.

Wednesday: Set a family screen-time limit of two hours a day — for TV viewing, that should be quality programming only. And, vow that you'll follow it, too. Remember, no screen time is best for children ages 2 years or younger.

A habit to hold on to: Spend less sedentary time with electronics, including TVs, computers, video games and wireless devices.

Thursday: Make it kids-in-the-kitchen night! Help them plan a healthful menu. Ask them to pick produce they like — and let them stir the soup or toss the salad.

A habit to hold on to: Get your kids involved in food choices and preparation. They'll likely be more willing to sample new foods.

Friday: Ask your child to come out and play. Maybe it's kickball, tag or tennis.

A habit to hold on to: Encourage plenty of physical activity. Kids need at least 60 minutes a day of it.

Saturday: At the grocery store, dub your child the label inspector. He or she may be quite proud to help you compare Nutrition Facts on products.

A habit to hold on to: Teach kids to make wise nutritional choices and purchases.

Sunday: Place baggies of cut-up veggies and fruit in the fridge for the week ahead. Point kids to these grab-and-go snacks.

A habit to hold on to: Make healthful snack options easy for kids to choose.

Try to keep up these positive steps — and add new ones as you can. Soon, good habits will be second nature to your family. Click here for more information and additional links.

5 goals for living well with rheumatoid arthritis

2011-10-14T07:30:00.000-07:00

By Michael W. Rosen, M.D.

Peeling an orange. Lacing up your shoes. Taking the dog for a stroll.

These everyday tasks may be simple for some. But, for those living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), they might be a real challenge.

This form of arthritis causes joint pain, stiffness and inflammation. RA can be mildly uncomfortable for some people. But, for others it's often very painful. In many cases, symptoms come and go — sometimes called a flare-up. If you're newly diagnosed with this condition, you may be concerned about how it could affect your life.

Moving forward: 5 goals for your care

Fortunately, much has been learned about managing RA. And, treatments have improved dramatically.

It's important to work closely with your doctor to care for your condition — so you can stay as active and comfortable as possible. Together, you'll develop a personal treatment plan. This will help you find ways to:

1. Ease discomfort, achiness and joint pain

2. Reduce inflammation and swelling in and around joints

3. Slow down or stop joint damage

4. Maintain your ability to do daily tasks

5. Improve your overall sense of well-being

Your plan may include:

Medications. There are several medications for RA that have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. These medicines can lessen pain and inflammation. Some may help slow the progression of RA, as well.

Rest and exercise. People with RA need a good balance between the two. Extra rest may be particularly helpful when symptoms flare up. And, regular exercise — including aerobic, strength and stretching activities — is important to help keep muscles strong and joints mobile. It may also ease pain and fatigue — and help people sleep better, maintain positive attitudes and control their weight.

Self-care strategies. These steps may help reduce stress on joints and make life easier:

Heat or cold therapy*, per your doctor's instructions
Splints to help support joints and reduce swelling — on wrists and ankles, for example
Special tools for tasks — such as long-handled shoehorns and comfort-grip handles on zippers and other utensils

Stress management. This might also include relaxation techniques, support groups or counseling.**

Be sure to talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your care plan. If your condition changes, your treatment may need to, as well.

For more information Click Here.