McCain calls liberals a threat to economy Oct 28, 2008
Instead, McCain articulated in his most dire terms yet what has become the dominant theme of his campaign in the last two weeks: that Obama's plans to raise income taxes and fine companies that do not provide employee health insurance would be obstacles to small-business growth, and kill jobs just when new ones are needed most. "It's a difference of millions of jobs in America, and Americans are beginning to figure that out," he said. (Boston Globe)
Auditors say medical providers abused state insurance plan Oct 28, 2008
An Albany surgery center is accused by state auditors of overbilling the state's employee health insurance plan. The New York State Comptroller's office says the state employees insurance program has been over-billed to the tune of almost $14 million. (FOX23 News, NY)
Diagnosing The Health Care Debate Oct 27, 2008
" Obama wants to build on the current employer-based system, . He would also create large insurance pools to sell affordable coverage to the uninsured, including those with severe health problems like Sharon. Larger businesses that don't offer employee health insurance would be required to pay in. Health policy groups estimate that many more of the uninsured would be covered under Obama's plan. But it would be more expensive: "The Obama plan just sounds like it's going to cost taxpayers so much... (CBS News)
Florida Clergy for Fairness Rallies Against Amendment 2 Oct 27, 2008
" Florida Clergy for Fairness - . Pd. Pol. Adv. sponsored and paid for by the Committee to Protect Employee Health Benefits, 4500 Biscayne Blvd., Suite 340, Miami, FL 33137 SOURCE Florida Clergy for FairnessLink to this page: Related links: Copyright 1996- PR Newswire Association LLC. All Rights Reserved. A company.. (PR Newswire)
More released on negotiations at GPC Oct 26, 2008
- Continued employee health insurance coverage with no employee contribution. - Increased union membership to two members on Pension, 401(k), and Insurance committees. (Muscatine Journal, IO)
Wells' Dairy workers approve new contract Oct 25, 2008
Employee health care premiums, co-pays and deductibles would be frozen both years of the new contract, Smetter said. The deal means the company would absorb all additional costs of providing health care coverage. (Sioux City Journal, IO)
Some in health-care eschew shot Oct 24, 2008
Cheryl Person has received a flu shot every year since she began working at the UI Hospitals and Clinics Employee Health Clinic in 1998. A nurse for 38 years, she emphasizes the importance of health-care workers receiving vaccinations. (Daily Iowan, IA)
Interstate Bakeries Corp. signs deal, restructures after bankruptcy Oct 24, 2008
The company claimed its ongoing financial troubles are a combination of declining sales, a high fixed-cost structure, excess industry capacity, rising employee health care and pension costs, and higher costs for ingredients and energy. With annual sales of $3. (Memphis Business Journal, TN)
The Audacity of Brand-New Taxes Oct 24, 2008
-- Obama s Patriot Employer Act would give a 1 percent tax credit to companies that, among other things, covered at least 60 percent of employee health premiums, stayed neutral in Big Labor organizing campaigns, and maintained or increased the number of domestic full-time employees versus their overseas counterparts. Obama would fund this credit by taxing international subsidiaries of non-patriot U.S. companies at America s 35 percent corporate rate, not the lower business levies generally... (Human Events Online)
Endorsements used in Prop. 101 fight Oct 23, 2008
State legislative budget analysts wrote that the proposition is not expected to have a fiscal impact on the state but could affect the future operation of AHCCCS and state employee health benefits. Kyl said concerns from the governor and other opponents are "without merit.". (AZCentral -- News)
Efforts to tackle employee stress levels 'not working' Oct 23, 2008
Likewise, a roll-out of management standards failed to improve the situation and it has been suggested that social and economic factors may be having an adverse effect on employee health. A study by the HSE's Health at Work Group said there was "little change in the number of employees aware of stress initiatives in their workplace or reporting discussions about stress with their line managers". (Jobsnewswire.com)
Council approves $744K budget hike Oct 22, 2008
The town council has approved Mayor Susan Kay s request for a $744,000 increase to Weymouth s current spending plan to cover unpaid snow removal costs and municipal employee health insurance expenses incurred during fiscal year 2008. We had a $128. (Weymouth News, MA)
Fulton council takes first look at budget Oct 21, 2008
Another potential change in the 2009 budget is the employee health care fund. Johnson pointed out that the health care fund currently is 400,000 in the hole. (Fulton Sun, MO)
First Capital, Inc. Reports Third Quarter Earnings Oct 21, 2008
The increase in compensation and benefits is primarily due to normal salary increases and the increased cost of employee health insurance. The increase in professional fees is primarily due to an increase in legal fees relating to problem loan collections. (Primezone Releases)
Hospitals lauded for employee wellness programs Oct 20, 2008
Program participants implement various options to encourage physical activity, good nutrition and culture enhancements such as on-site walking routes, healthy food options in cafeterias and vending machines, annual employee health risk assessments and online tracking tools. A special advertising section in the Oct. 27 issue of Forbes magazine will include a list of the 800 companies across the nation participating in Start. (The Clarion-Ledger)
Lawmakers mull next steps after governor cuts budget Oct 18, 2008
The day after the cuts, House and Senate Democrats huddled privately in separate rooms Thursday afternoon, pondering the cuts and emergency legislation Patrick has filed to squeeze $100 million from the state pension fund, boost state employee health insurance premiums, and use $200 million from reserves to soak up the red ink. Patrick asked for action on the bill as soon as possible. (Belmont Citizen Herald, MA)
Most health workers skip flu shot Oct 17, 2008
Dr. Patrick Hartley, who heads the hospital's employee health clinic, said in the last flu season, 84% of employees got their flu shots. At Allen Hospital in Waterloo, Iowa, the flu shot is mandatory for those with direct patient contact and recommended for everyone else. (USA Today -- News)
Americans for Tax Reform-Fact Checking the Debate Oct 16, 2008
congress=110n=10413 The federal employee health benefit plan's most popular plan costs $13,422 in 2009 (Blue Cross Blue Shield Standard family): For any families making less than $250,000 per year or so, the McCain health credit will be a net tax cut assuming average health premium costs. For lower income people, it will be a sizeable tax cut: How much will the Obama tax hike shrink your 401(k). (PR Newswire)
Auditor rips legislature over health plan Oct 16, 2008
Some 35 states operate their employee health plans under the executive branch. Legislative oversight comes with a variety of problems, the auditor says, including the potential for undue political influence and conflicts of interest. (Raleigh Triangle Business Journal, NC)
Governor to extended state insurance deadline; move could save Brookline $3M Oct 16, 2008
Union officials have so far been hesitant to join, saying it comes to soon after other major changes to employee health care and would put addition financial strain on some members. Town and union officials are slated to meet Oct. 22 and reconsider insurance options, including the Group Insurance Commission and a plan offered by West Suburban Heath Group. (Brookline TAB, MA)
Fact-checking the debate Oct 16, 2008
s plan would require many businesses to contribute to employee health coverage plans. It would exempt small businesses, however, and provide $6 billion a year in tax credits to small businesses that provide coverage, according to a study by the Lewin Group, an independent health care consulting firm in Falls Church, Va. (The Palm Beach Post)
$6 million Chapman School facelift sought Oct 14, 2008
6 percent less funding available this year to cover expenses because of financial pinch being caused by diminished state aid and higher municipal employee health insurance expenses. The committee approved Slattery s recommendation to replace Weymouth High School s corridor ceiling tiles and lights in addition to upgrading Chapman s facade. (Weymouth News, MA)
Legislature salutes winning suggestions Oct 14, 2008
The objective is to improve morale, employee health and retention, and reduce the number of sick days employees take. Sciavillo s winning suggestion will help reduce paper use and save the county money. (Catskill Daily Mail, NY)
Obama's 1/2 hour of airtime Oct 10, 2008
Some employers will contribute to employee health accounts. This will help more American families get the health care they need at the price they can afford. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Obama And McCain On Small Business Oct 8, 2008
In fact, small business organizers say paying for employee health care has been the top concern of their members for years - just recently surpassed by fears about the economic crisis. The Candidates. (CBS News)
Commissioners discuss arsenic in city’s water Oct 8, 2008
In other business before the commission at Monday s meeting Lloyd Halvorson delivered an eloquent and impassioned request to Mayor Fred Bott and the Devils Lake City Commission to reconsider the cap placed on city employee health insurance for the 2009 budget year ... No action was taken by the commission to change the employee health benefits. (Devils Lake Daily Journal, ND)
Employers wade into monitoring care as diabetes cases grow Oct 8, 2008
The company also offers a disease management program that tracks employees, sends reminders to doctors and promotes wellness in hopes of improving employee health overall. New data from the first year of a pilot program for patients with diabetes or other chronic illnesses at North Carolina-based showed savings of more than $1,000 a year per employee or dependent, about 9. (Sacramento Business Journal, CA)
Mathern outlines health plan Oct 8, 2008
Under his plan, those people would be able to buy into a state employee health insurance plan that would be more affordable because its price is determined by a state bidding process, Mathern said. Rural hospitals also would be able to apply for low-interest loans from the Bank of North Dakota to help pay off debts as a result of sluggish Medicaid reimbursements, Mathern said. (Bismarck Tribune, ND)
Mammogram facts Oct 8, 2008
Additionally, most states ensure that private insurance companies, Medicaid and public employee health plans provide coverage and reimbursement for the early detection of breast cancer. Breast cancer can be detected by the appearance of irregular images on mammograms. (Athens Banner-Herald)
Town Hall employees seeing improvement everywhere Oct 8, 2008
There will also be a small office for officials dealing with town employee health insurance and retirement, said Curran. Previously much of that was handled with little or no privacy, in violation of federal privacy laws surrounding medical information. (Beacon Villager, MA)
Attention Wal-Mart voters, um, shoppers Oct 7, 2008
Democratic VP pick Joe Biden, by contrast, was chiding Wal-Mart in 2006 for what he called inadequate wages and employee health benefits. But the key question isn't whether a President Obama or a President McCain could feel the pain and frustration of Wal-Mart shoppers. (Albany Times Union)
McCain vs. Obama: A tale of two different health plans Oct 7, 2008
This is because employers would lack data supplied by insurance providers on overall employee health problems, Kiehl said. Despite her concerns about McCain s plan, Kiehl and the coalition do not plan to officially endorse either plan. (Milwaukee Business Journal, WI)
UPDATE:Insurance agent claims sentence too harsh Oct 6, 2008
Prosecutors said Massey accepted payments of more than $827,000 during his term as supervisor for the Lafayette County Employee Health Care Contract paid through Nowlin, the agent on record at the time. Before he became a supervisor in 1995, Massey was the insurance agent of record for Lafayette County. (Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal)
$14.5M in school reductions proposed Oct 5, 2008
5 million in proposed cuts would come from employee health and Social Security costs if 244 positions, including a number of resource teachers and secretaries, are eliminated ... 5 million in proposed cuts would come from employee health and Social Security costs if 244 positions, including a number of resource teachers and secretaries, are eliminated. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Gay: Raiders Saga Oct 3, 2008
Saga should have ended months ago. Article:Saga should have ended months ago:/c/a/2008/09/30/SPL7138OO8. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Crime)
By The Books Oct 3, 2008
Books for cash and other signs of hard times. Article:Books for cash and other signs of hard times:/c/a/2008/10/02/BUBE1388PI.DTL Article:Books for cash and other signs of hard times:/c/a/2008/10/02/BUBE1388PI.DTL. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Business)
Books for cash and other signs of hard times Oct 3, 2008
Friday, October 3, 2008. (10-02) 17:18 PDT -- A man looms in the doorway of Ocean Avenue Books, lugging a big cardboard box stuffed with books he wants to sell to Diane Goodman, owner of the used bookstore. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Business)
Jackson could move to point guard Oct 3, 2008
Friday, October 3, 2008. (10-02) 19:33 PDT -- Warriors coach Don Nelson is floating the idea of having Stephen Jackson run the offense while Monta Ellis is out. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Sports)
Stanford receiver out 4 to 6 weeks Oct 3, 2008
Friday, October 3, 2008. (10-02) 19:16 PDT -- What should have been a low-key departure to South Bend, Ind. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Sports)
Overton leads at Turning Stone Oct 3, 2008
By JOHN KEKIS, AP Sports Writer. Friday, October 3, 2008. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Sports)
Nuanced Portrait Oct 3, 2008
Flash of Genius': Greg Kinnear on new movie. Article:'Flash of Genius': Greg Kinnear on new movie:/c/a/2008/10/01/NS4J138INS.DTL Article:'Flash of Genius': Greg Kinnear on new movie:/c/a/2008/10/01/NS4J138INS.DTL. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Entertainment)
Fanny-Pack Fun Oct 3, 2008
That's What She Said: A musical comedy duo. Article:That's What She Said: A musical comedy duo:/c/a/2008/10/01/NSHG133K9E.DTL Article:That's What She Said: A musical comedy duo:/c/a/2008/10/01/NSHG133K9E.DTL. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Entertainment)
Illegal immigration slows as economy weakens Oct 3, 2008
Friday, October 3, 2008. (10-02) 12:09 PDT WASHINGTON -- Illegal immigration has slowed in the past three years, and the influx of legal permanent immigrant residents in the United States now exceeds the number of new undocumented residents, according to a report released Thursday by a Washington think tank. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Politics)
Ten local governments join state's GIC health plan Oct 3, 2008
The Blue Hills Regional School District is grateful that the teachers union recognized the seriousness of the high cost of health care and came forward to lead the charge to enter into the GIC. We will realize a savings over $200,000 in year one in active employee health care costs, said Superintendent Joseph Ciccolo of the Blue Hills Regional School District. The Metropolitan Area Planning Council promotes inter-local cooperation and advocates for sustainable development across its 101... (Swampscott Reporter, MA)
Affable, emotional TV host turned viewers on to late-night talk Oct 3, 2008
Article:JACK PAAR / 1918-2004 / Affable, emotional TV host turn:/c/a/2004/01/28/MNGQ04JDB91. DTL Article:JACK PAAR / 1918-2004 / Affable, emotional TV host turn:/c/a/2004/01/28/MNGQ04JDB91. (Yahoo News -- Jack Parr)
Perillo: Everyone wins with new GIC agreement Oct 3, 2008
Stoneham missed that first opportunity at cutting the cost of its employee health insurance premiums. At the May 8, 2008, Town Meeting, citizen Peter D Angelo commented on the town s failure to join the GIC in fiscal 2009, This came up at Town Meeting last year and we were told it was going to take us at least a year to get into the program and to generate savings. (Stoneham Sun, MA)
City council selects employee insurance Oct 3, 2008
The California Board of Aldermen approved a change of employee health insurance coverage at a special meeting held Monday, Sept. 22, at California City Hall. The Council chose to go with Group Health Provider (GHP) rather than the Missouri Consolidated Health Care Plan (MCHCP) which city employees were covered by last year. (California Democrat, MO)
Rocket fuel found in milk in California Oct 3, 2008
Not clear if amount imperils children. Tuesday, June 22, 2004. (Yahoo News -- Food Safety)
Today's bailout is tomorrow's burden Oct 3, 2008
Today's bailout is tomorrow's burden. Article:Today's bailout is tomorrow's burden:/c/a/2008/09/27/INJD1355H3. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Opinion)
Concrete Empire Crumbles Oct 3, 2008
EMPIRE BUILT ON SAND / Businessman allegedly poured inferior concrete into key projects. Article:EMPIRE BUILT ON SAND / Businessman allegedly poured inf:/c/a/2006/07/09/MNG9JJRI8K1. (San Francisco Chronicle)
ACT: The Long Run Oct 3, 2008
THE LONG RUN / ACT: A 'Madman's' vision / First of four parts. Article:THE LONG RUN / ACT: A 'Madman's' vision / First of four:/c/a/2006/10/08/PKGOALF16A1. (San Francisco Chronicle)
AARP: Pinnacol among nations best for older workers Sep 25, 2008
AARP said it assembled its list by evaluating companies recruiting practices, opportunities for training, education and career development; workplace accommodations; alternative work options, such as flexible scheduling, job sharing, and phased retirement; employee health and pension benefits; retiree work opportunities, and training and development. Pinnacol was recognized for flexible scheduling options, including compressed workweeks and telecommuting; pension and retirement-savings plans... (Denver Business Journal, CO)
Anne Arundel County implements hiring freeze Sep 25, 2008
The county also plans cut back on its energy usage, renegotiate employee health plans and reduce the number of take-home vehicles used by county employees. These are austere times, and it s going to take some tough medicine to weather a struggling economy and cuts to local government, Leopold said in a statement. (Baltimore Business Journal, MD)
AARP: Cornell University Tops 2008 List Of Best Employers For Workers Over 50 Sep 24, 2008
" In addition, there are weight loss workshops and stress management programs. The university's wellness program also provides access to five fitness centers on campus, an ice skating rink and several swimming pools, along with group fitness and nutrition classes. Cornell's forward-thinking policies, in addition to its wellness programs, include flexible arrangements such as flextime, compressed work weeks and telecommuting; a formal phased retirement program for faculty; a robust retiree health... (PR Newswire)
AARP Names Four California Employers as Best Employers for Workers Over 50 Sep 24, 2008
Key areas of consideration include: recruiting practices, opportunities for training, education and career development; workplace accommodations; alternative work options, such as flexible scheduling, job sharing, and phased retirement; employee health and pension benefits; retiree work opportunities, and training and development. 2008 Best Employers Winners Rank, Company Name City, State 1 Cornell University Ithaca, NY 2 Scripps Health San Diego, CA 3 S. C. Johnson Inc. Racine, WI 4 The YMCA of... (PR Newswire)
U.S. conservation win ??? in Canada Sep 22, 2008
Motivate d Employee Health/ Wellness Programs - CVS Gift Cards. www. (Yahoo News)
City approves $$$ for water systems Sep 20, 2008
Approved several procedural matters related to the employee health insurance programs. This is an on-line publication of The Brenham Banner-Press P.O. Box 585 Brenham, TX 77834-0585 (979) 836-7956 For comments or questions, email. (Brenham Banner, TX)
Benefits Execs Prefer Obama's Health-Care Plan Sep 20, 2008
General Motors (), for example, estimates that employee health benefits add about $1,500 to the cost of every car it makes. But the survey found that few companies want to abandon this status quo: 87% of respondents said employees would prefer to receive health insurance through their employers, even if similarly priced options were available through other sources. (BusinessWeek)
Carrollton: Council approves $181.9 M budget Sep 19, 2008
Prior to the city council work session and meeting, a ribbon-cutting ceremony and general open house was held for a new Employee Health Clinic. The clinic is located in the shopping center across the street from City Hall at 2150 Josey Lane. (McKinney Courier-Gazette, TX)
Local Autoworkers Join Rally To Keep Chrysler Plant Open Sep 18, 2008
" Joe Shields, Local 110 president, also believes the company could be convinced to keep the Fenton minivan plant operating. Chrysler is now producing the minivan in Canada where, because of the country's health care system, the company does not have to pay employee health insurance, he said. But Shields said American public opinion is turning against the practice of taking American jobs out of the country. "We heard from one lady who said she had been planning to buy a foreign car, but after... (Missourian Publishing, MO)
County deficit continues to drop; now at $370,000 Sep 18, 2008
The budget's first draft assumed a 20-percent increase in employee health insurance rates. A recent bid from the county's current provider, WPS, had come in even higher at 22 percent. (Chetek Alert, WI)
C. Fulton Says No To More Paid Musical Team Sep 18, 2008
In accordance with Act 48 of 2003, the board gave retroactive authorization dating back to June 30 to move of $2 million from an unreserved, undesignated fund balance to an unreserved designated fund account that is used to make future payments on bond principal, interest and employee health benefits. The board action, according to the September 9 meeting agenda, will ensure that the unreserved undesignated fund balance remains within 11. (Fulton County News, PA)
Plan to gauge city workers' healthVoluntary program to determine Casa Grande employees' ages in terms of physical fitness Sep 18, 2008
According to the city staff report, the program "is intended to increase awareness with our employees and their families of the importance of healthy lifestyles, and to reveal possible undiagnosed health conditions through health risk assessments. Studies indicate the possibility of a 3-to-1 return on investment with an employee wellness program. This is possible through improving employee health and decreasing health care claims.". Barber said Pops Health will have its employees at city... (Casa Grande Valley Newspapers, AZ)
Tulare County may face a strike Sep 17, 2008
These employees also will get a $500 one-time payment, and the county said it will pay more toward employee health insurance. The SEIU is the county's largest union, but county spokesman Eric Coyne said not all eligible employees are active in it. (Fresno Bee -- Local)
I Put in 5 Miles at the Office Sep 17, 2008
Sixteen subjects of different ages, weights and fitness levels work-walk two hours a day, said Peggy Rivedal, the manager of employee health services. A similarly diverse control group works the old-fashioned way. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Health)
