Benefits Think

Us EBNers got a little nervous this week, after one of us received an e-mail blast screaming of a "Material Error in DOL New Model Notice for COBRA Subsidy."

Try as you might, it seems most workers still don´t understand their health plan. That´s one of the top-line findings from J.D. Power & Associates' third annual national study on health plans satisfaction.

The Internal Revenue Service has published a notice that contains 58 questions and answers addressing the COBRA premium subsidy. Only 58? Well, I suppose it's a good place to start.

Wal-Mart is expanding a pilot program that eliminates copays on generic drugs purchased at its stores to more employers.

Statistics show that 2 million acts of workplace violence occur each year, costing more than $13.5 billion in medical costs, nevermind leaving psychological scars that may never heal.

I was watching CNN last weekend (yes, I watch CNN for fun), and saw a story about Jack Windolf, CEO of Bollinger Insurance, who gave all 434 Bollinger employees $1,000 from his own pocket -- calling it a "mini-economic stimulus package."

Unfortunately, not necessarily. But we'll see.

This month, EBNers Kathleen Koster and Leah Carlson Shepherd report data regarding the health disparities affecting minority employees and tips for how employers can increase awareness to decrease care gaps.

The economy has everyone doing more with less, and as far as HR/benefit pros are concerned, they're doing it in-house.

Kelly, The crickets on the comments tell the story I guess...