04/06/2009

Send Those COBRA Notices

The economic stimulus legislation reduced the premiums and extended the coverage time for COBRA - and your plan must notify your eligible ex-employees within the 60 days starting February 17. Workers laid off starting September 1, 2008, and continuing through 2009, may qualify to pay only 35% of premiums, with the employer recouping the 65% as a credit on the quarterly employment tax return. Also, workers laid off between September 1 and February 16 who did not elect COBRA or dropped out because they couldn't pay, can get back on the insurance program. The Department of Labor has all the answers to your COBRA questions plus models of the required notices. --Jeff B. Copeland, Content Product Manager

03/16/2009

One Big Happy Family: Integrating Health Plans, Providers and Members

It's no secret that health care plans are always looking to cut costs. One of the easiest ways to do it is by implementing solutions to streamline paperwork. Portico Systems, a health plan provider management service provider, has launched a new solution -- the Integrated Provider Management solution. This new software platform promises to reduce administrative, medical and IT costs through collaboration across departments. -- Eve Lopez, Associate Editor

03/16/2009

Low-Cost Electronic Records Software for Doctors' Offices

Most U.S. physicians practice out of small offices, not conglomerate hospitals. And even with the rise in technology over the past two decades, less than 20% of U.S. doctors use computerized patient records. Wal-Mart is looking to change all that. The discount supermart is jumping into the health care tech market by offering affordable e-record software to doctors who operate small businesses. The package will include a desktop from Dell and software from EClinicalWorks. Look for it in the spring. -- Eve Lopez, Associate Editor

03/16/2009

Snuff Out Smokers and Protect Your Bottom Line

Despite years of well-known documentation on the harmful effects of tobacco use, a whopping 20% of Americans continue to smoke. According to Partnership for Prevention and the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, smoking-related illness results in $100 billion in health care costs each year, and smokers on average miss 7-10 working days more than non-smokers per year. Businesses can protect themselves by implementing no-smoking policies, and offering assistance and incentives to their employees who want to quit. Download "Investing in a Tobacco-Free Future: How It Benefits Your Bottom Line & Community" to get started. -- Eve Lopez, Associate Editor

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Send Those COBRA Notices

One Big Happy Family: Integrating Health Plans, Providers and Members

Low-Cost Electronic Records Software for Doctors' Offices

Snuff Out Smokers and Protect Your Bottom Line

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