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Great point! We are constantly reviewing data on the linkages between employer matching contributions and participation/ contribution levels, and the fact is that dropping the match is one of the least effective ways to cut costs.

I have a treadmill in my home, and it's a good thing I do. Otherwise, I likely would not exercise. I have the same attitude toward health care; I prefer to go to retail clinics because I don't need an appointment and their hours fit my schedule. Convenience is king. Apparently, I'm in good company, and...

It seems keeping a handle on who's out when for what is the "Who's on First?" of benefits management. A survey from Mercer finds that total cost of absence can equal as much as 36% of payroll. Of that figure, 9% accounts for unplanned absences. Planned absences, like vacations and holidays, average 26.6%....

Someone who knows someone who knows a lobbyist close to the stimulus package talks tells Workforce Management that Congress may be considering a 50% to 60% subsidy of COBRA premiums for employees who lose their jobs. The subsidy would last 18 months, the maximum time workers can maintain COBRA through...

Thanks for the comments, all. I agree with Jeff that lifestyle change (healthier eating and living, in addition to Anonymous's point about preventive care) is the key to changing the health care system from the bottom up. Not sure a sin tax is the answer, but at this point we're overdue for a little creativity!...

A recent New York Times article weighs the pros and cons of allowing parents to bring their children (newborns, toddlers and all ages in between) to the office on a regular basis.

I'm no expert or genius. I have only a few thoughts / ideas that might lead to some solutions.

President-elect Barack Obama has announced plans to convene a White House taskforce charged to "look at existing and future policies across the board and use a yard stick to measure how they are impacting the working and middle-class families," Vice president-elect Joe Biden said, who will chair the taskforce....

I am working with a local MD who runs a free clinic. He treats 6000+ patients a year for a total cost of $163,000 for staff salaries rent etc. He provides basic Dr visits, Rx, xray & lab and all but in hospital charges are covered. He has a very cost efficient way to cover the uninsureds. We are exploring...

What efforts are being made in terms of tackling what I believe is the core issue at hand - addressing obesity and poor lifestyle choices? Switching to a universal healthcare system, keeping the current system or a hybrid will do nothing to address costs until as a nation we change behaviors.