No raises for Palo Alto teachers, staff this year Nov 11, 2009
Palo Alto Online News. Uploaded: Tuesday, November 10, 2009, 9:19 AM. (Palo Alto Online, CA)
Board to consider $250 or $500 raises for county workers Nov 10, 2009
n Renewing the county s agreement with PersonalCare Health Management, Inc. for employee health insurance and increasing the amount the county contributes toward monthly premiums by 5 to 305 per employee. n Waiving the county s hiring freeze so the Health Department can fill a nursing position vacancy. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Abortion could roil Senate health care debate Nov 10, 2009
Abortion opponents have sought to impose the same restrictions that now apply to the federal employee health plan, military health care and Medicaid, the federal-state health program for the poor. Abortion rights supporters say such an approach would threaten women's right to a legal medical procedure already widely covered by private insurance. (MSNBC -- Politics)
Opta Minerals Inc. Reports Third Quarter Results for Fiscal 2009 Nov 10, 2009
David Kruse, President and CEO of Opta Minerals, noted "During the third quarter, Opta Minerals began to see some initial signs of recovery in our related industries. As a result, we have begun to increase production at some of our facilities. A significant highlight during the third quarter is the earnings before income taxes, goodwill impairment and non-controlling interest in the amount of $1.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009. There remains continued uncertainty... (CCNMatthews Press Releases)
Firms sneak vaccines away Nov 9, 2009
"What they (critics) have to realize is that all providers who order H1N1 vaccine whether it be a hospital or an employee health service they have to agree that they'll only administer the vaccine to people in at-risk groups," she said ... Scaperotti said 50 employee health clinics in the city had received vaccines ... "Employee health clinics are a great avenue for vaccines," she said. (iAfrica.com)
House Votes to Ban Abortion Subsidies Nov 9, 2009
Separate laws apply the restrictions to the federal employee health plan and the military. Currently abortion coverage is widely available in the private market. (CBS News)
Highmark pilots workplace medical clinics Nov 8, 2009
Joe Wojcik Rich Little, vice president of compensation and benefits, shows off the physical therapy room of Highmark;s Downtown employee health center. Related News. (Pittsburgh Business Times, PA)
House passes health care overhaul Nov 8, 2009
His primary concerns were related to cost containment and a tax on small businesses that do not provide employee health insurance. Though those issues improved as the bill progressed from committees to the floor, Mr. Altmire said they still did not meet his goals to rein in health care costs. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Wall Street giants get swine flu vaccine Nov 7, 2009
In New York, doctors at companies that have employee health services can request the vaccine along with other doctors but must agree to vaccinate only high-risk employees, Scaperotti said. Last month, the city began offering vaccine to schoolchildren, as well as to pediatricians and obstetricians who asked for it. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Health)
Companies get creative to deal with rising health care costs Nov 7, 2009
Given rising premium costs and revised state regulations that would have left her paying penalties anyway, Gladstone dropped employee health insurance earlier this year. "That was not an easy decision," she said. (Hopkinton Town Crier, MA)
WALL ST. BEFORE MAIN ST.: H1N1 Vaccine Nov 6, 2009
These providers, which include schools, hospitals, health centers and employee health services, must agree to recognize priority groups in order to receive any vaccine. "The Health Department does not distinguish between workplace and non-workplace vaccination settings," said Jennifer Scaperotti, spokesperson for the New York City Health Department. (ABC News)
PB GROUP: SEVERAL SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS SUPPORT PUBLIC OPTION Nov 6, 2009
In Arkansas, 67 percent of respondents supported giving small businesses a choice between a range of private plans and a public option; and 63 percent said they were willing to contribute to employee health care. The survey and trip came as the House is expected to vote Saturday on the HR 3962 version of the health care bill. (Pine Bluff Commercial, AR)
Community briefs Nov 6, 2009
The city has been able to hold the line on increases through the development of its own Mesquite Employee Health Clinic (MEHC). The city partnered with the Mesquite Independent School District to create its own clinic to curb insurance costs after experiencing double-digit increases from 2000 to 2006. (McKinney Courier-Gazette, TX)
The Return of the House Call Nov 6, 2009
The Obama Administration has been keeping a close eye on Microsoft (), which, in a bid to slash costs, improve employee health, and even contain potential pandemics such as swine flu, has brought back the old-fashioned doctor's house call for employees. House calls appear in the proposed health-care reform package pending before Congress, and President Barack Obama himself has hailed them as one of the private sector's "terrific innovations.". (BusinessWeek)
It's not every employer's job to cover health care Nov 4, 2009
Fewer than half of small businesses provide employee health insurance ... Meanwhile, about 2% of employers annually are opting out of providing employee health insurance plans. (Fresno Bee -- Business)
Braintree officials relieved Patrick closes budget gap sparing local aid Nov 4, 2009
Additionally, Patrick and the Legislature agreed in fiscal year 2010 to increase employee health care contributions, saving the state $50 million. Included in Patrick s plan to close the budget gap is a proposal to offer a tax amnesty program, estimated to generate $20 million, as well as $82 million in anticipated departmental revenues. (Braintree Forum, MA)
Valley workers feel pain of costlier coverage Nov 3, 2009
Since 1999, the average insurance premium for family coverage has increased 131%, according to the 2009 Employee Health Benefits Survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation and the Health Research tional Trust ... The engineering company covers the full cost of the premium for employee health-care insurance, she said, but the employee shares the cost of coverage for dependents. (Fresno Bee -- Local)
Marlborough gets ready to hit the polls Tuesday Nov 3, 2009
Stevens also expressed pride in keeping city employee health care premiums the same for the last two years. Collins has spoken out against the handling of the teachers' contract, which is currently in mediation as the union seeks the restoration of step and lane pay increases. (Marlborough Enterprise, MA)
Some terms used by health plans to describe their costs and services Nov 1, 2009
Goals include reducing health care costs, improving employee health and productivity, and reducing absenteeism caused by illness. Young adult health plan: Plans designed to meet the needs of young adults. (Boston Globe)
Newton mayoral candidates stress change Oct 31, 2009
Both have stressed the importance of closing the city s structural deficit - a situation in which costs for things such as employee health insurance are going up faster than revenues. And both have said they will bring better management systems to City Hall and restore citizens trust in their local government. (Boston Globe)
Health care issues: Public plan compromises Oct 31, 2009
has suggested leaving the decision to states, and giving them a menu of options from public coverage to their own employee health plans. Sen. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- World)
Town Council candidates Q & A Oct 30, 2009
I have helped implement long-term steps so we can better restrain the growth of our employee health care costs and to ensure that we have an adequate rainy day fund for emergencies, such as the June 26 tornado. My wife Ginger and I moved to Wethersfield in 1980. (Wethersfield Post, CT)
Contentious couple dominates U.S. medical tourism Oct 29, 2009
As vice president of sales for the company's OptiMed Health Plans, Edelheit says he became the first to sell self-funded employee health plans that included medical travel in 2005. OptiMed's Web site lists companies like Dunkin' Donuts and Chrysler as clients. (MSNBC -- Travel)
AP: Abortion Foe Urges 'Burn in Hell' Protest Oct 29, 2009
Separate laws apply the restrictions to the federal employee health plan and military and other programs. The Democrats' health overhaul bill would create a new stream of federal funds not covered by the restrictions. (Missourian Publishing, MO)
Diabetes Club Meeting Coming Up Oct 29, 2009
The speaker is Janene Papendick, RN, of Avera St. Luke's Employee Health and a yoga instructor at the Aberdeen YMCA. She will introduce the stretching and relaxation benefits of yoga. Just the day-to-day stresses of life can be a challenge when dealing with diabetes, and yoga can assist individuals with being more active. (Marshall County Journal, SD)
Cos give clean bill of health Oct 27, 2009
He is just part of a new consensus emerging in India Inc: That employee health is not a topic that could be left to the staffers ... It is is just part of a new consensus emerging in India Inc: That employee health is not a topic that could be left to the staffers. (India Times)
Employer-Based Insurance: Paying More, Getting Less Oct 27, 2009
When it comes to employee health, companies are going to stress "personal responsibility," says Kent Lonsdale, an executive vice president with the consulting firm Gallagher Benefit Services Inc.. With that in mind, many large employers offer so-called wellness programs, including efforts to get workers to lose weight or quit smoking. (Time.com)
Recession hasn't hurt county services - yet Oct 25, 2009
Our biggest increases involved employee health care costs and what we pay for utilities. Prickett says local option sales tax revenue is down by about 12 percent during the first two months of the current fiscal year, which began in July. (Orangeburg Times and Democrat, SC)
Nashville firms 'fit friendly' Oct 24, 2009
Companies gaining gold status implemented programs for physical activity, nutrition, walking routes, healthy food choices and annual employee health risk assessments. Companies receiving platinium recognition have measured the outcomes of their wellness efforts. (Nashville Business Journal, TN)
Abortion in Health Bill Splits House Dems Oct 24, 2009
Separate laws apply the restrictions to the federal employee health plan and military and other programs. But the Democrats' health overhaul bill would create a new stream of federal funding not covered by the restrictions. (Time.com)
GE Launches $250 Million Health Care Tech Fund Oct 22, 2009
GE said it plans to rework its U.S. employee health care plan to emphasize preventative care, the first such changes to the benefit plan in more than 20 years. GE said it will improve access to fitness centers and offer rewards for healthy lifestyle choices. (ABC News -- Wire)
Doubletree Hotel Contract With City Changed Oct 21, 2009
The hotel now has to pay at least 78 percent of the full-time employee health care premiums, and, "We have agreed to a commitment of financial investment into the hotel of over $20 million," he said. The $20. (KFOXTV.com, TX)
Survey: Most companies cutting bonuses, raises Oct 20, 2009
A third of companies are cutting back on employee health care benefits, and a third also are cutting back on stock options and other equity-based compensation to trim costs, according to a survey of chief financial officers and senior comptrollers by accounting firm. Cutting back on bonuses was cited by 55%, and 42% are giving smaller raises, it said. (USA Today -- Money)
I'll take Enzi's health care Oct 18, 2009
While it is true that you receive your health insurance from a private insurer, the program that manages the smorgasbord of insurance companies (Federal Employee Health Benefits program) and deducts your premiums (about 70 percent which are paid by taxpayers) and pays your insurance company is run by your friendly bureaucrats at the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. Also, you have the luxury of being in a large pool as you stated. (Casper Star-Tribune, WY)
Job cuts may be needed, but first trim waste Oct 17, 2009
The Legislature has also avoided giving cities and towns more power to hold down their employee health insurance costs. Local governments can join the state s largest employee health insurance program, but employee unions have a veto. (Boston Globe)
Bloomer asks for 31 percent hike in water rates Oct 17, 2009
The number of full-time water and sewer employees remains at five but the rate application projects a 15 percent increase in employee health insurance cost based on past expenses. Water meet reading is contracted out at 30 cents per meter, said Meindel. (Chippewa Falls Chippewa Herald, WI)
Overweight? Smoker? Health bills hit hard Oct 16, 2009
Valeo, a supplier of auto parts, four years ago raised the deductible on an employee health plan to $2,200 from $200 for individual coverage and to $4,400 from $400 for family coverage. Then it gave employees the opportunity to reduce the deductible to its starting point by being nonsmokers and meeting goals for blood pressure, cholesterol, and body mass index, said Robert Wade, Valeo's director of human resources for North America. (MSNBC -- Politics)
$9M of DSS funds to go uncollected Oct 16, 2009
Pension contributions from the county are projected to increase by 90 percent, and employee health care contributions are projected to increase by 12 percent in 2010. Baer said the county will continue to subscribe to a strategy of tight fiscal control. (Hudson Register Star, NY)
Insurance mandate to cost millions Oct 16, 2009
In 2008, MPS spent $172 million on employee health benefits for more than 14,000 employees and $41 million on retiree health benefits. Thiel said new legislation that expands benefits circumvents local control and labor management discussions, which is a concern considering MPS already has scarce resources. (Milwaukee Business Journal, WI)
Patrick warns of 2,000 job cuts Oct 16, 2009
The head of the state s Group Insurance Commission, which oversees employee health benefits, said yesterday the agency will consider raising copayments for doctor s visits, deductibles, or premiums. A person would have to be naive not to realize we all have to take a look at our budgets and see what we might have to do, said Dolores Mitchell, the commission s executive director, who sent a letter to the commissioners this week detailing possible changes. (Boston Globe)
Sighs of relief heard as the Globe saga subsides Oct 15, 2009
She said she also hoped the Times Co. would contribute more to employee health plans, which were cut after the union agreed to $10 million in contract concessions to stabilize the Globe s finances. Employees now face much higher premiums and reduced coverage. (Boston Globe)
Jefferson County board gets budget proposal for 2010 Oct 15, 2009
Petre also said 472,000 in expenditure savings is included in the 2010 recommended budget for employee health insurance premium costs. These savings, he reported, are the result of a net reduction in insurance premium charges to the county from the state health plan. (Watertown Daily Times, WI)
NBCU Announces New Company-Wide Initiative: 'Healthy At NBCU' Oct 15, 2009
The campaign will include news and entertainment programming, an iVillage community health challenge, a company-wide employee health challenge, as well as continued offerings of healthier eating options in the Universal theme parks. In addition, NBCU's award-winning "The More You Know" public service campaign will launch its new season this fall with an unprecedented commitment to health and wellness. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Pawlenty proposes health care reforms Oct 14, 2009
Under that plan, those state programs would use a tiered provider system similar to the one used by Minnesota Advantage, the state s employee health care program. Individuals can choose any clinic available to them in a private market system, but pay more out of pocket for using clinics that are deemed to be more costly and less efficient. (Twin Cities Business Journal, MN)
ISSUES: Sticking points to iron out Oct 14, 2009
Employers with fewer than 50 full-time employees, paying an average salary of less than $50,000 and providing at least 60% of employee health expenses, would be eligible for a credit of $1,000 for each employee with single coverage and $2,000 for each employee with family coverage. Marketplace competition. (USA Today)
Businesses find creative ways to save on benefits packages Oct 13, 2009
Small companies such as AVT up to the mega-corporations are getting creative when it comes to employee health benefits packages. To put it in context, the pool, California s largest for midsize employers, has increased its premiums by 13 percent over last year. (San Jose Business Journal, CA)
Teachers to fight insurance increase Oct 12, 2009
Changes to the health insurance plan include a $30 per month increase to all employee health insurance premiums, increases in medical co-pays and elimination of free eye insurance. (Employees would still be offered vision coverage, but pay a premium like health insurance. (Florida Today)
Internet will show Mich. schools losing $382M Oct 11, 2009
Schools also must list compensation information for employees paid more than 100,000 a year, include copies of labor union contracts, provide information about employee health care plans, post lobbying expenditures and link to financial audits. The requirement adds an undetermined, likely modest expense for schools that will vary by district. (Ionia Sentinel-Standard, MI)
Feds: Food stamps swapped for Viagra, booze, porn Oct 9, 2009
Costco Wholesale Corp. said Wednesday that a stronger dollar and higher employee health care costs helped drive its fiscal fourth-quarter profit down 6 percent, but the results beat analysts' expectations. The members-only warehouse club chain earned $374 million, or 85 cents per share, for the quarter, down from $398 million, or 90 cents per share, in the same quarter last year. (Fresno Bee)
Comm Health ends workers' comp treatment Oct 8, 2009
Lantta's letter referred affected patients to three local health care offices: Western Medical Associates, Dr. Dana Ideen & Dr. Marjorie Wells Family Clinic, and Employee Health Solutions of the Wyoming Medical Center. Dorothy Mosher, family practice nurse practitioner with the Ideen & Wells Clinic, said she is taking some of the Community Health Center's patients on a limited basis. (Casper Star-Tribune, WY)
Your views: Letters to the editor Oct 7, 2009
But the unions presentation exposed the gross mismanagement of employee health care dollars during the past decade. On average, barely 89 percent of expenses from the trust fund pay for employee health care claims. (Florida Today)
CCH hosts drive thru flu clinic today Oct 7, 2009
"Seasonal flu is still here. The virus mutates, and people will still get the seasonal flu," said Jean Coash, the employee health nurse for Callaway Community Hospital. "We all have to work together to stay healthy, and one way to do that is by getting your flu shots.". (Fulton Sun, MO)
Hospitals face big whammy from state fees Oct 6, 2009
Among those already implemented: asking vendors for better deals; increasing employee health insurance costs; and forgoing goodies like an annual employee picnic. Christ Hospital s annual $2 million in community charitable contributions likely will be decreased to $1. (Cincinnati Business Courier, OH)
Stretching the limit of benefits Oct 5, 2009
Corey Heller, VP of human resources at Baptist Health, said the company has employee health care and fitness facilities at each location. U.K.-based provides Baptist Health s new concierge program, Concierge. (South Florida Business Journal, FL)
BancFirst, Blackstone, SciClone Pharmaceuticals, WellPoint: Equity Preview Oct 5, 2009
(WLP US): The largest U.S. insurer said it dismissed a small number of workers and announced cuts to employee health benefits in its latest attempt to deal with the recessions toll on enrollment. To contact the reporter on this story: in New York at. (Bloomberg -- US)
Our View: Firefighter contracts fair compromise Oct 4, 2009
The new deal includes 3-percent raises, but also increases in employee health insurance contributions. And it takes the 15-person minimum down to 14, with the plan to have the fire chief, an assistant chief or fire investigator count toward the 15-person staffing requirement when one firefighter is absent. (Auburn Citizen, NY)
Hawaii, union near furlough agreement Oct 4, 2009
Neither would disclose the issue, although Perreira said it did not have to do with contributions to the employee health fund, a sticking point in the past. "We need to resolve the issue and to get the mayors on board," Lingle said, noting that at least one of the four counties must also OK a settlement. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Does the state owe you money? Oct 3, 2009
n Coxsackie Correctional Facility Employee Health Fair, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 21, Coxsackie Correctional Facility, Route 9W, Coxsackie. New Yorkers can also check for unclaimed funds at or by calling toll free 1-800-221-9311. (Hudson Register Star, NY)
City prepares for tough budget cycle Oct 2, 2009
Pelletier said the city will received around $50,000 less from the state than they did last year and their employee health insurance quote rose dramatically from last year. See Budget, Page 3. (Forest Republican, WI)
Workplace Wellness Seems to Really Work Oct 2, 2009
Investing in employee health cuts medical costs and ups productivity, heart experts say. HealthDay. (MEDLINEplus)
Schools in proration again Oct 1, 2009
With less revenue coming in and the escalating costs of employee health insurance, there s no way to avoid it. According to Riley s office, health care costs of teachers and other education workers have skyrocketed in recent years. (Brewton Standard, AL)
ECISD may alter health plans Oct 1, 2009
The ins and outs of health care at the Ector County Independent School District went before district trustees Wednesday during a meeting to discuss possible future adjustments to employee health benefits in the face of rapidly increasing costs. Though trustees only heard a report and took no action on the district s employee health care plans, ECISD employees can expect to see an increase in their prescription medication co-pay costs beginning in January ... The district s employee health care... (Odessa American, TX)
Butte County finalizes budget Oct 1, 2009
Auditor Elaine Jensen said the budget includes roughly a 10 percent anticipated renewal increase on employee health insurance. We ve projected we re doing a 2 percent raise for all county employees, she said. (Rapid City Journal, SD)
Local money on state agenda Oct 1, 2009
Lusk, for example, ought to be able to pay for employee health insurance, he said. The Wyoming Association of Municipalities recommended a mineral revenue sharing plan that would give local governments 12. (Casper Star-Tribune, WY)
Can The GOP Take Back The House? Sep 30, 2009
Fully 1/4 of my expenses as a business owner today are now employee health insurance costs. I can't do this anymore. (CBS News)
