Health care isn't a fundamental right Oct 22, 2009
A letter to the editor from Larry Jarrett of Warrenville, S.C. ("," Sept. 4), stated, "The public option will require higher taxes for all and will provide health care as a fundamental right for all Americans.". If health care or health-care insurance is a right, is it also a right to have healthy food to eat. (The Augusta Chronicle)
House agriculture panel approves derivatives bill Oct 22, 2009
WASHINGTON --- Legislation to regulate for the first time globally traded derivatives, the complex instruments that helped touch off the financial crisis, moved closer to House enactment Wednesday. The debate and swift drafting of the bill by the House Agriculture Committee was another step forward in President Obama's plans to rewrite the nation's financial rule book. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Doubletree Hotel Contract With City Changed Oct 21, 2009
"We have committed to providing health insurance as part of our employee benefit package for the employees who have been working there," he said. 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. (KFOXTV.com, TX)
Bobby Hankerson Oct 19, 2009
Hankerson ideas tackle work, play 101809 - The Augusta Chronicle. "These are ideas I'm bringing back in south Augusta," he said. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Loan woes could eclipse positive bank earnings Oct 14, 2009
NEW YORK -- If the nation's major banks report big third-quarter profits, don't take the numbers at face value. Although trading gains could drive strong earnings for banks like JPMorgan Chase nd Goldman Sachs Group Inc., mounting loan losses and the prospect of tougher capital requirements and higher deposit insurance fees are expected to eat into the banks' profits well into 2010 and beyond. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Nuclear industry group works behind the scenes Oct 13, 2009
ATLANTA --- Construction of two reactors at Plant Vogtle in Burke County will be overseen not only by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission but also by a little-known organization that has become a powerful influence in the nuclear power industry. The Atlanta-based Institute of Nuclear Power Operations was created by industry executives in response to the accident 30 years ago at Three Mile Island in Pennsylvania. (The Augusta Chronicle)
T unions sue state on their benefits Sep 18, 2009
Even with the cuts, the T s benefit package compares very well with others in public and private industry, said Michael J. Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation. The reason [the new law] was able to preserve a very generous package for MBTA employees and retirees and still save $30 million a year is because the current benefits are absolutely off the chart, public or private, Widmer said. (Boston Globe)
Your views: Letters to the editor Sep 15, 2009
I think this selfishness shown by our employees calls for a complete review of our benefit package to them. Also, why not form a Palm Bay City Taxpayers Union, so we, too, can just refuse to discuss any attempts to increase our taxes and thus decrease our income. (Florida Today)
Mr. Obama's Rx Sep 11, 2009
$1500-2000 wk Full Benefit Package Pre-Set Appointments 401K Retir. seeks energetic Outside Salesman to sell electric motors, drives DIV. (Albany Times Union)
Details part of Obama reform speech tonight Sep 10, 2009
$1500-2000 wk Full Benefit Package Pre-Set Appointments 401K Retir. . (Albany Times Union)
Small businesses would see lower costs, more comprehensive coverage from health reform Sep 9, 2009
Provisions to extend health care coverage to everyone and repair the small group insurance market would alleviate high premium costs, high broker fees, underwriting, and a lack of transparency about benefit packages that small business owners currently face ... The ability to purchase health insurance through the new health insurance exchange would guarantee a standard benefit package, eliminate lifetime maximums, and control premium costs. (EurekAlert!)
Belle Fourche chops budget, considers health insurance hike Sep 9, 2009
Part-time employees do not receive the city benefit package. Rapid Reply. (Rapid City Journal, SD)
GUEST COLUMN: The Cornerstone of Health Care Sep 5, 2009
Require Americans to purchase health insurance; Provide sliding-scale subsidies to help those in need to buy the insurance; Prohibit pre-existing conditions exclusions; Define a minimum health benefit package; and Adjust risk levels among enrollees. Not only is it necessary to reform the payment system, it is also necessary to reform the delivery system. (Missourian Publishing, MO)
Conservatives hit the wrong health care reform target Sep 1, 2009
The bills stipulate a fairly generous, some might say overly generous, benefit package, and do not give added authority to Medicare or other government programs to deny care ... Private plans that offered a limited benefit package would be able to sell their plans for a lower premium and attract more customers ... Yet, even under managed competition, the government exerts a strong influence over spending and coverage policies by setting the minimum benefit package. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Physical Therapy Assistant / PTA - Innovative Senior Care Aug 30, 2009
As an ISC therapist you will enjoy the stability of an established, in house rehab program, flexible schedules and a top notch rate and benefit package. ISC/Brookdale offers a friendly and professional work environment, a fulfilling experience, and the opportunity to build a career with a forward thinking, innovative therapy company and a substantial client base with which to work. (Florida Today)
CQ: Straight talk about health care? Forget it Aug 29, 2009
Basically, the federal government establishes a benefit package for Medicares 40 million seniors, and also sets the rates at which doctors, hospitals, nursing homes and medical device makers are paid, and then also investigates fraud complaints or patient mistreatment, such as in nursing homes. Thats all the feds do. (MSNBC -- Politics)
CDF wants expanded health care Aug 27, 2009
The second is a comprehensive benefit package for all children to insure healthy development. The third principle is that coverage must be affordable, where all children up to 300 percent of the federal poverty level (about 66,000 for a family of four) need cost sharing protections consistent with current out of pocket limits in Medicaid. (Greenville Delta Democrat Times, MS)
Jackson: Its a bare-bones budget with no frills Aug 21, 2009
His family health insurance, about $14,000, is part of his benefit package, said Jackson. Since he is giving that back to the district, the board approved giving part of that back to him as salary. (Keokuk Daily Gate City, IO)
Blackfoot budget approved Aug 20, 2009
Manwaring said city officials opted to allocate the funds to help negotiate the benefit package. The city will try to get a better insurance deal, but other options include changing plans or increasing the amount paid by employees. (Pocatello Idaho State Journal, ID)
Newt Gingrich: Competition, not rationing, is cure Aug 20, 2009
One key proposal is to mandate an essential benefit package for every private insurance policy sold in the United States. Currently, individuals and employers usually make these coverage decisions. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
LOCAL COPE REP TOUTS HEALTH CARE Aug 12, 2009
The goals on the booklet Rochelle wants to get to the area s delegation include considering subsidies for families making up to 400 percent of the poverty level, protecting families up to 200 percent of the poverty level from being charged premiums, a global cap on premiums and out of pocket expenses at 13 percent of income (8 percent of premiums and 5 percent for out of pocket expenses) and offering a benefit package equivalent to that of federal employees, especially for preventative care.... (New Iberia, LA)
Did Obama Mess Up Health Care Politics? Aug 7, 2009
But what REALLY gets my goat is the audacity of this following statement: "You know I would be happy to abide by the same benefit package," Obama said. "I'm going to be honest with you; I'm the president of the United States so I've got a doctor following me every minute,". (CBS News)
Start with reforming malpractice suits Jul 31, 2009
Competitive wage rate and benefit package. Apply in person or fax resume to Connie Wammock, RN.. (The Augusta Chronicle)
polls show Democrats base receding in Virginia Jul 31, 2009
Obama electorate recedes in Virginia poll - Ben Smith - POLITICO.com. much like yourself,the comments you post seem able to draw flies. (Harper's Magazine)
Klamath County Republicans organizing petition effortThe petitions would put tax increases on ballot Jul 29, 2009
DAS wrote on Jul 28, 2009 7:03 PM:" Have any of you paid attention to what City,County, and State employees get in pay and benefits.This includes all public employees.They get to many benefits and pay.My close friend works for the FEDS.so I write with knowledge.Their ins.is extreme $0.00-25.00 medical co-pays,vision,dental,mental health and so forth.In the private sector we have to put in from our check every payday,few have vision,dental or mental health some have 0 ins..Yet those public... (Klamath Falls Herald & News, OR)
Opinions: Unions self-serving on health care Jul 24, 2009
The employer exclusion also gives the greatest payoff to the wealthiest people: A worker in the 35 percent tax bracket with a $5,000 benefit package gets a $1,750 tax windfall, but if a low-income worker in the 15 percent bracket were lucky enough to get the same package, he would only save $750 on his taxes. The employer exclusion is a backdoor health insurance subsidy that gives the most help to the wealthiest workers with the best benefits while fully taxing the income of uninsured low-wage... (MSNBC -- Business)
Healthcare blinders Jul 24, 2009
The program defines a basic benefit package, asks health plans to submit bids specifying the annual dollar amount they would charge for this package, then ranks the bids into three tiers. Low-price, high-quality plans, ranked in tier one, cost the least for state employees. (Boston Globe)
Health Industry Donates Big to Key Dem Jul 22, 2009
Never does an employee have access to a more comprehensive benefit package than the employer. Corporations only concern is their bottom line. (CBS News -- US)
Ex-GM CEO Gets Retirement Package Worth Over $10M Jul 15, 2009
Former General Motors Corp. Chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner will retire Aug. 1 with a pension and benefit package the automaker valued at more than $10 million ... Former General Motors Corp. Chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner will retire Aug. 1 with a pension and benefit package the automaker valued at more than $10 million. (ABC News -- Wire)
Ex-GM CEO Gets $10 Million Retirement Jul 15, 2009
Wagoner to Get Pension and Benefit Package After Being Ousted by Obama Administration ... 00004000 (AP) Former General Motors Corp. Chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner will retire Aug. 1 with a pension and benefit package the automaker valued at more than $10 million. (CBS News)
A look at the House Democrats' health bill Jul 15, 2009
BENEFIT PACKAGE: A committee would recommend an "essential benefits package" including preventive services, mental health services, oral heath and vision for children; out-of pocket costs would be capped. The new benefit package would be the basic benefit package offered in the exchange and over time would become the minimum quality standard for employer plans. (Fresno Bee -- Local)
City insurance plan a joke Jul 4, 2009
MJB wrote on Jul 3, 2009 10:08 PM:" For the most part, people that work for cities and the government do so because historically the benefits have been good. Everyone knows that these places don't pay well as far as paychecks are concerned, but when one added the health insurance, holiday pay and retirement benefits into the mix, it made up for the ridiculously small wages. I don't think that the Logan City workers or the author feel that health benefits is a "right", I think that it would be a... (Logan Herald Journal, UT)
Medication switches put patients at risk Jun 29, 2009
I have the same Federal Employee Health Benefit package members that Congress have. It's not very good. (NJ.com -- Times)
At what cost? Jun 26, 2009
At a meeting June 10 on the topic, district officials told the school board that because of the district s benefit package and other costs such as the cost to purchase equipment to replace that owned by the contractor, bringing the workers back in-house for the same dollar amount as the district s contract with NANA Management Services would result in deep staffing cuts. For example, split-shift janitors would handle most elementary schools, working shifts that begin early in the morning, break... (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)
House Democrats unveil plan for healthcare system Jun 20, 2009
Under the House bill unveiled yesterday, a new insurance program operated by the government would offer consumers a benefit package including preventive health services, mental health services, dental and vision care for children, and annual caps on the amount of money that people would have to pay. The bill envisions that Americans earning up to 400 percent of the federal poverty level - or $88,000 for a family of four - could qualify for credits to help them buy insurance. (Boston Globe)
Audits, contract changes, science center, food service are main S-O board topids May 18, 2009
Herzberg said the company will hire "anyone we want them to hire" and in their brochure promised to "retain the entire staff, honor their wages and hours, and offer them a comparable fringe benefit package." The board requested that Herzberg send out proposals to several food service companies, including Taher, and discuss the matter again at the June meeting. For the next three months, the board will meet at 7:00 p.m. The next meeting will be held on June 8. (Ocheyedan Press Melvin News, IA)
Wapello School District hits funding jackpot May 13, 2009
One set of numbers that are known, however, is the final 2009-10 salary and benefit package reached between the Wapello Education Association and the District. Weidner said the proposed package would include a 635 increase in the base salary, which would boost it to around 27,314. (Muscatine Journal, IO)
Healthy Hawaii workplaces help cope with sick economy May 6, 2009
The cost of both HMSA and Kaiser s workplace wellness programs are built into each employers benefit package. Although it varies, employers can expect to spend an average of $150 to $200 per participant to establish a formal program. (Pacific Business News, HI)
Problem solved? Apr 17, 2009
When was the last time you heard of a landscaper being paid over 3,000 per month, plus the best benefit package you can imagine. A mechanic. (Longview Daily News, WA)
Today's news Apr 8, 2009
Hooters of Augusta; www. com/hootersofaug ; hooters. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Opportunity Knocks Today! Insurance License Required Phone Mar 29, 2009
Benefit package available. Call 1-800-293-1829. (The Clarion-Ledger)
Should health care reform include the choice of a public insurance plan? Mar 29, 2009
It will also require that all rules of the marketplace benefit package requirements, insurance regulations and risk adjustment processes apply to all plans equally, whether public or private. Finally, this model requires that we address cost growth containment systemically and avoid relying heavily on the public plan's potential market power. (Sacramento Bee -- Opinion)
School board candidates respond to questions Mar 27, 2009
8 percent increase is not only for salary, but for the entire benefit package including all forms of insurance and retirement expenses. The health insurance cost to the district is approximately 18,000 per year per full-time employee for family coverage. (Watertown Daily Times, WI)
Isle business leaders rethink strategies Mar 23, 2009
To help keep staff motivated, we switched medical insurance companies to save money, but kept the best medical plan with no loss of benefit package. We are placing more value and time into Internet marketing and increased Web site marketing. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Authorities seek to seize property from burglary suspects Mar 17, 2009
Mr Lee wrote on Mar 16, 2009 6:21 PM:" Don't you all know when the city takes property from people is't not STEALING!!! It's part of the city benefit package ". Cthulhu wrote on Mar 16, 2009 4:30 PM:" funkdizzy, nothing gets me crying faster than reading about innocent children hurt by those who are supposed to be looking out for their welfare. That poor girl!!! :( ". (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Tombstone district freezes pay hikes Mar 13, 2009
District employees will have more options on their benefit packages through services offered by First Financial Group of America ... Board president Ben Barber questioned whether the new benefit package would cost the district more money ... The benefit package implements a cafeteria plan for employees, giving them an opportunity to receive certain benefits on a pre-tax basis. (Sierra Vista Herald, AZ)
Blue Cross says it will stop incentive trips Mar 7, 2009
BCBS policyholder wrote on Mar 6, 2009 4:02 PM:" Let me get this straight, BCBS lost $28 million, is now in a hiring freeze and has cut expenses by more than 3 million and has spent over $250,000 for an excessive trip for 33 chosen employees, while the rest get a minute 3% raise. The CEO's benefit package is tripled in 3 years. Are we rewarding financial irresponsibility and why? What is wrong with the Board? Are they any different than AIG? I am waiting to hear more on this story. PUT THE... (Bismarck Tribune, ND)
Career Fair makes connections Mar 6, 2009
We offer training, a full benefit package and a good income that includes a housing allowance. Francis said as the number of unemployed Americans has grown in the past year, the military has become pickier about whom it will accept. (Corvallis Gazette Times, OR)
What the feds give, California may take in taxes, budget cuts Feb 27, 2009
A broad sampling of opinion from industry leaders and experts agreed that while much remains unknown on what s to come, some early indications are that the state s budget crisis will temper some effects of the intended benefit package from D.C.. Health care prognosis. (San Jose Business Journal, CA)
Lodi Unified School District will issue 390 lay-off notices to teachers (2902) Feb 19, 2009
edumacation wrote on Feb 18, 2009 12:29 PM:" Observer:1) I know several clerks (real clerks-no degrees) with fancy job titles. Each is making over $60,000/year. Not bad for 9 months of work. Of course, they are physically present during the other threee months, but in reality they retired when they were hired. Look at their previous job titles -- CLERK. 2) Last year, the school board voted to pay the Asst Superintendent of Personnel a huge promotion for about 100 days of work followed by his... (Lodi News Sentinel, CA)
Fire Union says theres no one health plan to fit all cities, all firefighters Feb 11, 2009
Healthcare benefits are often a key component of an employee s benefit package. A survey of PFFM Locals found that nearly 70 percent pay more than 20 percent of the premium cost. (Somerville Journal, MA)
Cost shift: Health insurers see boost from individual buyers Feb 10, 2009
Helping drive sales is businesses need to curb escalating health care costs while still providing a benefit package that attracts and retains talented personnel. Pay attention to the market, said Neal Lucchi, senior vice president of work site products at Downtown-based HM Insurance Group, a wholly owned, for-profit subsidiary of That s when you have success. (Pittsburgh Business Times, PA)
