Benefits Think Instead of new entitlements & admin costs: EXPAND…
Instead of new entitlements & admin costs: EXPAND MEDICARE, MEDICAID, & FEDERAL HEALTH PLANS !!
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Benefits Think Of course when you lose your job, whether suddenly…
Of course when you lose your job, whether suddenly or not, money is a big issue. Just ask anyone who has a family, small children, braces, tuition, mortgage and car payments, etc. Everyone needs medical coverage since one catastrophic claim can wipe a person out, but how can anyone afford COBRA? Taxes…
Benefits Think COBRA is often double the cost of individual cover…
COBRA is often double the cost of individual coverage. First, should require people to look at individual coverage. If cannot get coverage there, then must remain on COBRA, so maybe then a subsidy.
Benefits Think Sounds good too me. But, maybe should be based on…
Sounds good too me. But, maybe should be based on how much of the premium they paid when they worked.Gov't pays portion that company used to pay.
Benefits Think No…We do not need additional Federal Government …
No…We do not need additional Federal Government programs. This needs to be handled on the state level.
Benefits Think Subsidizing COBRA is an option. However, individu…
Subsidizing COBRA is an option. However, individuals that have insurance are also in great need of a subsidy. My COBRA ended 3 years ago and the cost was cheap compared to what I pay now. Even with no health issues, my premium payments for single coverage are $600+/month.
Benefits Think This is a tough issue. On one hand, employees who…
This is a tough issue. On one hand, employees who have lost a job and don't have another one lined up are the least able to afford the huge cost of insurance premiums, particularly family COBRA coverage.On the other hand, this seems like a band aid that will do little to help keep the cost of our healthcare…
Benefits Think If we had universal health care provisions, this w…
If we had universal health care provisions, this wouldn't be necessary. If you lost your employer coverage, then you would be picked up as an option with basic health care coverage under a universal plan. Obama should continue to consentrate on a system of coverage for all "legal" Americans. Most states…
Benefits Think No. Life is sometimes expensive. They can get an…
No. Life is sometimes expensive. They can get an individual plan or a temporary plan. If you're going to subsidize anyone, subsidize only those that are denied an individual plan due to medical reasons.
Benefits Think On the surface this seems like something that migh…
On the surface this seems like something that might (finally)provide relief where it is most needed. Instead of saving companies to, in theory, save jobs, this would provide real assistance to those in the most dire of circumstances. The only caution would be how to avoid an entitlement mentality and…
Benefits Think I guess this is better than the auto industry, but…
I guess this is better than the auto industry, but Americans NEED the sticker shock of how out of control our healthcare costs are.
Benefits Think It is not the govt’s. responsibility to insure we …
It is not the govt's. responsibility to insure we have the same type of coverage after employment is ended. There are other less expensive options available than the richer plans our employers provide for us.
Benefits Think A 50-60% subsidy would be great. I’d pay less tha…
A 50-60% subsidy would be great. I'd pay less than I do as an active employee. I don't think that's really what they want.
Benefits Think Tip of the Day: Join the debate on autism coverage
Although President-elect Obama has made expanding access to health care and health coverage a cornerstone of his agenda, the Autism Partnership – an advocacy group based in Seal Beach, Calif. – cautions the adminstration and the general public against neglecting a particularly vulnerable group: children…
Benefits Think News You Can Use: NBGH pushes for spending on health IT, COBRA subsidies
As Congress starts to set the details of an economic stimulus package, the National Business Group on Health on Monday outlined its health care priorities.
Benefits Think 401k debit cards are a bad idea, plain and simple….
401k debit cards are a bad idea, plain and simple. Let's hope that people will use this downturn in the economy to rethink their priorities and start saving (rather than spending) again.
Benefits Think Tip of the Day: Maintain that dental plan
Sure, it's not as "sexy" and newsmaking as other benefits, like health care and retirement plans. And it's not the "unicorn" benefit that might get you on the Fortune list, like sushi bars and onsite massages. But dental benefits arguably are the tortoise to health benefits hare, and a new survey from…
Benefits Think Wish You Were Here: Kentucky bank bucks trend, increases 401(k) match
Finally some good 401(k) matching news right when we could use it. Not willing to follow the big boys down the road of cutting 401(k) matching contributions, Louisville-based Republic Bank not only has increased its 401(k) match, it has cut its vesting time to give employees matchung funds faster, PlanSponsor…
Benefits Think Tip of the Day: Read ABC’s cure for what ails ya
A bit long, but still interesting read from the American Benefits Council offers the organization's 10 prescriptions for reforming health care. To my eyes, it generally covers plowed ground — build on the employer-based system, eliminate inefficiencies — but could spark some debate on its call for an…
Benefits Think Great point! We are constantly reviewing data on …
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.