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Legislative News

Questions about Mini-Cobra and how it effects to you as employer?

If you have any questions about Mini-Cobra and whether you as employer are effected by it, click on the link below. This will take you to the department of Insurance. You will be to read questions and answers as well see what your responsibilities are as an employer. If still have any questions after reveiwing this information, feel free to contact your agent.

Legislation passed in PA regarding dependants coverage and thier eligibility.

The attached article discusses the legislation Senate BIll 189 which was signed into law by Governor Edward G. Rendell on June 10, 2009. It gives a brief disucssion about the changes to dependant coverage. Please review and contact your agentwith additional questions.

Response to Reform
Human Resource Executive Online

With healthcare reform rising to the top of President Barack Obama's agenda, his mailbox seems to be filling up with letters from business groups and employers hoping to get their voices heard.

Legislative Update - Labor & Employment Summer 2009
Troutman Sanders LLP

This article summarizes the labor and employment legislative activity for the summer 2009.

News

News article from The Wall Street Journal about Obama and our Health Care

The debate about our health care has been getting very intense lately. There has been a lot of different ideas being proposed by our government. This article discusses some ides that have come from Obama.

Flu Planning and Response Guidance for Businesses and Employers
Flu.Gov

Local flu conditions will influence the decisions that local public health officials will make regarding community-level strategies to lessen the spread of flu

Will Emphasis on Prevention Bring Health Costs Down?
Kaiser Health News

If there is one thing that both parties can agree on in the health overhaul debate, it’s the need to build a health system that promotes prevention rather than just manages disease.

Healthy Workers Could Get Bigger Insurance Breaks
Kaiser Health News

A health care reform proposal that would allow employers and insurers to give large discounts to employees who lose weight or lower their cholesterol is facing push back from several groups worried about premium disparities, Kaiser Health News reports.

COBRA Enrollment Doubles
National Underwriter Company
Allison Bell

The new health benefits continuation subsidy has led to a sharp increase in the percentage of departing workers who take up continuation benefits.

U.S. Vs. The World
National Underwriter Company
Allison Bell

The United States health care system does better in some rankings than others when compared with other developed country health care systems.

Benefits

Employee Assistance Programs Target Mental Health Parity Costs
Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)

The Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 (commonly referred to as the Mental Health Parity Act), which takes effect during annual plan renewals beginning on or after Oct. 3, 2009, is a source of concern for employers worried about the impending increase in their health care costs.

Size and Scope of Wellness Incentives Grow Larger
Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)

Almost two out of three U.S. companies offer programs to keep employees healthy, and 66 percent of those offering programs use incentives, with a healthy number showing a return on investment (ROI) of greater than $1 for each dollar spent.

Employees Concerned About Benefits Cuts
Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)

Eight out of 10 U.S. employees are concerned about changes their employers have made to their health, disability or life insurance coverage since the 2008 open enrollment season, and are worried about how they will pay for these changes.