Workers Would Trade Pay for BenefitsAn increasing number of U.S. workers are willing to trade some of their pay for more generous retirement and healthcare benefits, according to a survey by Towers Watson.
Fifty-five percent of respondents are willing to pay more from each paycheck to ensure a guaranteed retirement. That compares with 46% two years ago. Fifty-percent of respondents would trade a portion of their pay to have healthcare benefits if they retire before they are eligible for Medicare, versus 40% in 2009.
“Since the economic crisis, employees have been paying much closer attention to their retirement readiness and many are willing to look at new ways to balance their mix of pay and benefits,” said Kevin Wagner, a senior retirement consultant at Towers.
Retirement security has become especially important to older employees who may be facing declines in their retirement accounts and their home values. But, the growing interest in retirement security is not limited to older workers. In fact, some of the most dramatic changes in attitudes have been among younger employees and those with a defined benefit plan. Seventy percent of defined-benefit plan participants who are younger than 40 are willing to pay for a guaranteed retirement benefit compared to 66% in 2011 and 39% in 2009.
Forty-four percent of workers are worried about reductions to their retirement benefits over the next two years. Younger defined benefit plan participants are particularly concerned (63%).
Employees are even more concerned about healthcare costs. Seventy-three percent are concerned about higher out-of-pocket health costs and co-pays over the next two years, compared to 67% in 2007.
The rise in healthcare costs is the most important reason employees are concerned about retirement security, cited by 64% of respondents. Fifty-six percent cited concerns over Social Security or Medicare benefits and higher prices for necessities.
Older employees, women, lower-paid workers, and those with health issues are most willing to relinquish control over their retirement investments in exchange for more long-term stability in their retirement benefits.
For more information, visit http://www.towerswatson.com/newsletters/insider/6411.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Key Features of the Law; Affordable Health Care Act
The health care law offers clear choices for consumers and provides new ways to hold insurance companies accountable. The most important parts of the law are broken into groups below. We’ll highlight new features of the law here as they roll out between now and 2014.
Rights and Protections
If you have insurance, these consumer protections can help you get the most out of your plan.
Insurance Choices
If you need insurance coverage or have been rejected due to a health condition or disability, you may be eligible for coverage through one of these programs.
Insurance Costs
How does your health insurance policy affect your wallet? Find out how the law helps you get the most value for your premium dollar.
65 or Older
The health care law strengthens Medicare and provides access to preventive services and prescription drug discounts for seniors.
Employers
Tax credits and new programs are available to small businesses to help make care more affordable for employers, employees, and early retirees.
If you need help dealing with your insurance, finding insurance, or getting answers to questions about how the health care system works, visit the Get Help Using Insurance section. Use our interactive FAQ tool at answers.healthcare.gov to find answers to your questions about health care and insurance.
Rights and Protections
If you have insurance, these consumer protections can help you get the most out of your plan.
Insurance Choices
If you need insurance coverage or have been rejected due to a health condition or disability, you may be eligible for coverage through one of these programs.
Insurance Costs
How does your health insurance policy affect your wallet? Find out how the law helps you get the most value for your premium dollar.
65 or Older
The health care law strengthens Medicare and provides access to preventive services and prescription drug discounts for seniors.
Employers
Tax credits and new programs are available to small businesses to help make care more affordable for employers, employees, and early retirees.
If you need help dealing with your insurance, finding insurance, or getting answers to questions about how the health care system works, visit the Get Help Using Insurance section. Use our interactive FAQ tool at answers.healthcare.gov to find answers to your questions about health care and insurance.
Good News for Employess_Payroll Tax Holiday Extended
On February 17, 2012, Congress passed the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 (H.R. 3630). President Obama signed the bill February 22, 2012.
In addition to a number of other provisions, H.R. 3630 extended the payroll tax reduction which had previously been scheduled to expire at the end of February. Under the new law, for all of 2012, employees will pay the Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (OASDI) portion of the payroll tax at a 4.2% rate (compared with 6.2%), on the first $110,100 in wages. Similarly, self-employed individuals will pay OASDI at a rate of 10.4% (rather than 12.4%) on the first $110,100 in self-employment income. The 2.0% reduction in OASDI does not apply to employers; an employer’s share of OASDI remains at 6.2%
The Medicare Hospital Insurance (HI) tax remains at 1.45% each for employers and employees, and at 2.90% for self-employed individuals, on all wages and earnings.
In addition to a number of other provisions, H.R. 3630 extended the payroll tax reduction which had previously been scheduled to expire at the end of February. Under the new law, for all of 2012, employees will pay the Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (OASDI) portion of the payroll tax at a 4.2% rate (compared with 6.2%), on the first $110,100 in wages. Similarly, self-employed individuals will pay OASDI at a rate of 10.4% (rather than 12.4%) on the first $110,100 in self-employment income. The 2.0% reduction in OASDI does not apply to employers; an employer’s share of OASDI remains at 6.2%
The Medicare Hospital Insurance (HI) tax remains at 1.45% each for employers and employees, and at 2.90% for self-employed individuals, on all wages and earnings.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Target Date Funds Inspire Confidence
WORKPLACE RETIREMENT PLANS
Employees who participate in workplace retirement plans and use target-date funds are more confident about reaching their retirement goals and managing their portfolios, according to a study by ING. “Like many of the latest 401(k) features, target date funds …make saving for retirement easier and more automatic for the average plan investor. These funds are being designed into the newest breed of guaranteed income solutions,” said Rick Mason, president of Corporate Markets, ING U.S. Retirement.
Target date funds offer automatic asset allocation, over time, through a single age- and risk-appropriate investment. This simplified approach to investing is becoming increasingly popular among employers and employees. Target date assets have grown from $15 billion in 2002 to $363 billion in 2011, According to Morningstar and Financial Research Corporation.
Workplace investors have a strong preference for funds that are managed by multiple investment managers and provide a guaranteed income stream at retirement. Ninety-three percent of those who use target date funds say they would want a target date fund with stronger protection against market losses in the years leading up to and including retirement. Additionally, 80% prefer less market risk at that stage of the investment cycle.
“These findings suggest that diversified, age-adjusted target date funds may work better than traditional offerings in bridging the gap between investor knowledge and long-term retirement objectives,” said Paul Zemsky, Chief Investment Officer of Multi-Asset Strategies for ING Investment Management.
Other key findings of the study include the following:
• 88% of target date investors want a target date fund that offers guaranteed income at retirement.
• 61% of target date investors prefer multi-manager strategies and 14% prefer a single-manager.
To view a report, visit the ING Retirement Research Institute.
AMS Benefit Consultants has avocated these plans and all of our plans include them. Our expierence has been that employees contribute more to plans which they have confidence in performance with lower risk.
Employees who participate in workplace retirement plans and use target-date funds are more confident about reaching their retirement goals and managing their portfolios, according to a study by ING. “Like many of the latest 401(k) features, target date funds …make saving for retirement easier and more automatic for the average plan investor. These funds are being designed into the newest breed of guaranteed income solutions,” said Rick Mason, president of Corporate Markets, ING U.S. Retirement.
Target date funds offer automatic asset allocation, over time, through a single age- and risk-appropriate investment. This simplified approach to investing is becoming increasingly popular among employers and employees. Target date assets have grown from $15 billion in 2002 to $363 billion in 2011, According to Morningstar and Financial Research Corporation.
Workplace investors have a strong preference for funds that are managed by multiple investment managers and provide a guaranteed income stream at retirement. Ninety-three percent of those who use target date funds say they would want a target date fund with stronger protection against market losses in the years leading up to and including retirement. Additionally, 80% prefer less market risk at that stage of the investment cycle.
“These findings suggest that diversified, age-adjusted target date funds may work better than traditional offerings in bridging the gap between investor knowledge and long-term retirement objectives,” said Paul Zemsky, Chief Investment Officer of Multi-Asset Strategies for ING Investment Management.
Other key findings of the study include the following:
• 88% of target date investors want a target date fund that offers guaranteed income at retirement.
• 61% of target date investors prefer multi-manager strategies and 14% prefer a single-manager.
To view a report, visit the ING Retirement Research Institute.
AMS Benefit Consultants has avocated these plans and all of our plans include them. Our expierence has been that employees contribute more to plans which they have confidence in performance with lower risk.
More Businesses Will Qualify for the Healthcare Tax Credit
President Obama is expanding the Small Business Healthcare Tax Credit tax credit so that more businesses can qualify. The Fiscal Year 2013 budget proposal increases the maximum size of eligible companies from 25 employees to 50; proposes more generous phase-out provisions; and simplifies the credit, making it easier to claim. The White House says that the proposed changes would benefit about half a million employers who provide healthcare to 4 million workers in 2012 alone. Over the next decade, this proposal would provide an additional $14 billion in tax credits to small employers across the country. For more information, visit www.healthcare.gov.
Friday, February 17, 2012
Manta confirms AMS philosophy on client services with thier tip of the day?
Respond Promptly to Requests for Information
When customers request information about your company via email, a website form, over the phone or through some other means, they expect a quick response. When a company fails to respond--due to poor organization, incorrect contacts or a busy schedule--customers are left feeling abandoned and likely won't do business with you now or in the future.
When customers request information about your company via email, a website form, over the phone or through some other means, they expect a quick response. When a company fails to respond--due to poor organization, incorrect contacts or a busy schedule--customers are left feeling abandoned and likely won't do business with you now or in the future.
Thursday, February 02, 2012
Learn More about HSA plans from AMS
HSA FAQ
What is a Health Savings Account (“HSA”)?
A Health Savings Account is a special type of savings account like an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) that offers a different way for consumers to pay for their health care. HSAs enable you to pay for current health expenses and/or save for future qualified medical and retiree health expenses on a tax-free basis.You must be covered by a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) to be able to take advantage of HSAs. An HDHP generally costs less than what traditional health care coverage costs, so the money that you save on insurance can therefore be put into the Health Savings Account.
You own and you control the money in your HSA. Decisions on how to spend the money are made by you without interference from a third party or a health insurer. You also decide what types of investments to make with the money in the account in order to make it grow.
What Is a “High Deductible Health Plan” (HDHP)?
You must be covered by an HDHP if you want to open an HSA. Sometimes referred to as a “catastrophic” health insurance plan, an HDHP is an inexpensive health insurance plan that generally doesn’t pay for the first several thousand dollars of health care expenses (i.e., your “deductible”) but will generally cover you after that. Of course, your HSA is available to help you pay for the expenses your plan does not cover.
For 2012, an HDHP must have a deductible no lower than $1,200 for individuals with self-only coverage or $2,400 for family coverage. In addition, the HDHP must limit your out-of-pocket expenses to no more than $6,050 (self) or $12,100 (family). HDHPs can have first dollar coverage (no deductible) for preventive care and higher out-of-pocket (copays & coinsurance) for services received outside the plan’s provider network.
for more information click here:
Why Use an Online Payroll Service?
Payroll. The Hollywood image of an unobtrusive character in the back room poring over figures may come to mind but that’s so last century. Today, businesses don’t have the luxury of dedicating large chunks of time and other resources to getting employees paid accurately and on time and to complying with the myriad regulations associated with payroll. Indeed, payroll, though an essential element in operating any business, must proceed transparently freeing owners, managers and other employees to get on with the business of business.
Below are some of the best reasons to consider using an online payroll service:
Save Time and Money - In business, time is money and running payroll can’t be a full time job. It’s an overhead expense that doesn’t directly add to the business’ bottom line and it is one of the most commonly outsourced functions. While employing an accounting firm or more traditional payroll outsourcer may be beyond the reach of many small businesses, online payroll services provide a critical array of services at rather nominal prices.
Ease of Use - Processing payroll is regarded as a rather arduous task by most business operators but inputting data into an online payroll service is intuitive, quick and easy. The initial setup is critical because future calculations are based on it, but online payroll service providers have made the process about as simple as one could imagine. What’s more, they generally provide support to assist in getting things set up right initially as well as resolving any problems that may arise.
Avoid Costly Errors - Getting it right the first time is a major advantage that online payroll services provide. In addition to making data entry simple, they generally present a completed payroll for review before live submission. The services also use their expertise and systemization to make certain that all payroll tax reporting and payments are made accurately and on time thus avoiding costly penalties.
Stay Current - A major complaint of business operators is always that there’s too much government regulation and that they are often not aware of changes as they occur. Keeping up to date on applicable regulations from the multiple levels of taxing authorities is at the heart of an online payroll services business so that their clients are liberated from the need to be payroll experts and can concentrate on running their businesses.
Online Payroll Services: What to Look For
Pricing
We don’t want to place any more emphasis on the price of an online payroll service than is absolutely necessary, but the reality is that the cost of the service is one of the most significant distinguishing factors. The reporting and deposit requirements that an online payroll service must meet are, for the most part, statutory in nature and the features that are offered from one service to the next don’t vary greatly. These facts result in price being an important factor in choosing a provider. When comparing prices of the various providers, don’t forget to consider those features that some companies include in their overall service while others impose additional fees.
Ease of Use
Of course you should consider ease of use. But online software and services are now almost universally conforming to best practices when it comes to user interfaces. So unless you encounter a design that happens to annoy you, ease of use is not the most important feature to examine.
Features
If you have less than 150 employees, you might prefer the ability to print checks locally. Some online payroll services let you print checks and paystubs locally, but some offer centrally printed checks only. Direct deposit is a standard feature, but some vendors include it in the monthly fee and others charge more for the feature.
Pay Options
These days, most employees receive their pay via direct deposit to a bank account but some still find the option of getting a paper check preferable. Payroll cards are becoming more popular, particularly for employees who don’t have a bank account. These are essentially debit cards that can be used to make purchases as well as to make cash withdrawals.
Tax Compliance Features
When thinking of payroll processing, the first thing that comes to mind is likely to be getting employees paid. But for employers, the biggest problems associated with payroll involve compliance with a multitude of tax regulations. An online payroll service can file the quarterly and annual returns that are required by the various levels of taxing authorities and make the mandatory periodic deposits. Most offer the option of doing the filings on behalf of the client or of providing ready for signature documents that the customer then files.
Help & Support
In a competitive industry in which everybody provides services that strongly resemble one another, customer service is deciding factor. Payroll issues are usually time sensitive and missed deadlines are costly. While many online payroll service providers guarantee timeliness and accuracy, the business operator always deserves and should insist upon superb customer support.
Software Integration
The data entered into an online payroll service can generally be exported to other accounting software. Some services allow for integration with multiple software packages, while others only support the use of one or two. The important point is that the data should be compatible with the accounting software used by your business. An online payroll service should make running a business easier and more productive rather than requiring duplicate data entry or a complete changeover of accounting software.
We’ve taken care to evaluate online payroll services with the needs of small businesses in mind. As you compare services on our side-by-side matrix, take note of those characteristics that are best for a small business.
Our affiliate offers substantial discounts to our clients.
info@amsinsure.com
2013 Reporting W-2 employee benefits.
For employers that issue less than 250 w-2's not employees a year there is currently no requirement to report under this part of Health Care Reform. For employers that issue more than 250 w-2's a year they will have to report the value of health care benefits.
AMS is avialable to discuss the importance of this issue and also clinets or prospects should be discussing with there CPA, Payroll Vendor, or others who would provide services for internal payroll departments.
AMS is avialable to discuss the importance of this issue and also clinets or prospects should be discussing with there CPA, Payroll Vendor, or others who would provide services for internal payroll departments.
Wednesday, February 01, 2012
Employee Morale Shapes Business Success
The start of a new year represents an excellent time to contemplate employee morale within the organization. One success formula for an employer is to place and retain the right employees in the right jobs. Although monetary incentives are one way to help employees cope with economic downturns and challenges, the quality of work/life issues is a vital element that impacts the morale and the successful contributions of your employees.
The first step is to take time to assess how employees feel about their current roles and what the company can do to ensure they are positioning themselves as an attractive employer. Remember to recognize exceptional workers within the organization. Having employees who are valued, recognized and appreciated for their efforts will generally boost the overall morale of the organization. Such employees may also provide critical business and employee referrals to further contribute to the company’s success.
Management immediately can do a great deal to help increase employee morale. Consider the following three tips:
• Analyze the Business Situation. Question where improvements need to be made or enhancements should take place for employees to effectively and efficiently carry out their work duties.
• Communicate with Your Employees. Inform employees about changes within staff, budgeting, etc. and take feedback into consideration.
• Increase Workplace Incentives. Provide an environment with growth opportunities, monetary and non-monetary rewards, and a positive business culture. One simple example that can be easily overlooked is to thank your employees periodically for their efforts in email communications or staff meetings.
In this new year, resolve to make employee morale a priority. A business can prosper with the right mind-set, tools, and the greatest asset – its employees. When employees feel respected, appreciated, and recognized, the increased success of a business will generally follow.
Tool of the Month:
Essential Job Functions Worksheet
Essential job functions are the fundamental duties of a job position – the duties an employee with that job absolutely must be able to perform. In the event a charge is filed (e.g. under the Americans with Disabilities Act), a crucial and basic component of the charge will be the employer’s definition of and justification for the essential functions of the employee’s job in question. Therefore, carefully assess and document the essential functions for each job in your company.
The Essentials Job Functions Worksheet will help you with the following:
• Identify key characteristics of an essential function,
• Determine which functions are essential or non-essential to a specific job,
• Develop documentation of employer good faiths efforts to establish essential job functions.
Request more information:
The first step is to take time to assess how employees feel about their current roles and what the company can do to ensure they are positioning themselves as an attractive employer. Remember to recognize exceptional workers within the organization. Having employees who are valued, recognized and appreciated for their efforts will generally boost the overall morale of the organization. Such employees may also provide critical business and employee referrals to further contribute to the company’s success.
Management immediately can do a great deal to help increase employee morale. Consider the following three tips:
• Analyze the Business Situation. Question where improvements need to be made or enhancements should take place for employees to effectively and efficiently carry out their work duties.
• Communicate with Your Employees. Inform employees about changes within staff, budgeting, etc. and take feedback into consideration.
• Increase Workplace Incentives. Provide an environment with growth opportunities, monetary and non-monetary rewards, and a positive business culture. One simple example that can be easily overlooked is to thank your employees periodically for their efforts in email communications or staff meetings.
In this new year, resolve to make employee morale a priority. A business can prosper with the right mind-set, tools, and the greatest asset – its employees. When employees feel respected, appreciated, and recognized, the increased success of a business will generally follow.
Tool of the Month:
Essential Job Functions Worksheet
Essential job functions are the fundamental duties of a job position – the duties an employee with that job absolutely must be able to perform. In the event a charge is filed (e.g. under the Americans with Disabilities Act), a crucial and basic component of the charge will be the employer’s definition of and justification for the essential functions of the employee’s job in question. Therefore, carefully assess and document the essential functions for each job in your company.
The Essentials Job Functions Worksheet will help you with the following:
• Identify key characteristics of an essential function,
• Determine which functions are essential or non-essential to a specific job,
• Develop documentation of employer good faiths efforts to establish essential job functions.
Request more information:
HR TIPS
Clearing the Smoke on Smoking in the Workplace
Is it a smart move for an employer to discriminate against an individual who uses tobacco? This month’s HRCast will explore the benefits and the pitfalls surrounding this question.
On February 15th, be sure to visit the HR Support Center and listen to this month’s HRCast to learn more about this topic.
Manage Workplace Stress
Workplace stress results from multiple internal and external factors. Internal factors can be attributed to budgets, employee performance issues, sales and profit outlooks, and overall employee relationships within the business. External factors can result from economic uncertainty, competitors, and market value prices. To help reduce and control workplace stress for your employees, consider applying certain coping mechanisms. One stress-reducing technique is to provide workers with opportunities to participate in decisions that affect their jobs (e.g. work scheduling and advancement opportunities).
34%
According to a December 2011 survey, more than one-third (34%) of employers have terminated an employee for being late to work. (Source: Harris Interactive)
"Unless commitment is made, there are only promises and hopes…but no plans."
- Peter Drucker
Is it a smart move for an employer to discriminate against an individual who uses tobacco? This month’s HRCast will explore the benefits and the pitfalls surrounding this question.
On February 15th, be sure to visit the HR Support Center and listen to this month’s HRCast to learn more about this topic.
Manage Workplace Stress
Workplace stress results from multiple internal and external factors. Internal factors can be attributed to budgets, employee performance issues, sales and profit outlooks, and overall employee relationships within the business. External factors can result from economic uncertainty, competitors, and market value prices. To help reduce and control workplace stress for your employees, consider applying certain coping mechanisms. One stress-reducing technique is to provide workers with opportunities to participate in decisions that affect their jobs (e.g. work scheduling and advancement opportunities).
34%
According to a December 2011 survey, more than one-third (34%) of employers have terminated an employee for being late to work. (Source: Harris Interactive)
"Unless commitment is made, there are only promises and hopes…but no plans."
- Peter Drucker
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Medicare Advantage Plans Improve Diabetic Care
Medicare Advantage Chronic Special Needs Plans are effective in managing care for some of Medicare’s most vulnerable beneficiaries with diabetes, according to a study published in the January issue of Health Affairs.
The study compared 36,000 Care Improvement Plus members with diabetes to a similar population enrolled in traditional Medicare. Members of special needs plans members had more primary care. They had reduced rates of hospitalization and hospital readmissions. The study indicates that offering additional services to people with chronic diseases could result in lower Medicare spending and may improve the quality of life for beneficiaries with diabetes.
The plans were able to reduce hospital readmission rates, by as much as 40%, by offering services such as in-home preventive health visits. these include services such as foot exams, social needs assessments, and medication reviews. The plans were able to reduce hospitalizations and readmissions for non-Caucasian members at rates greater than their Caucasian counterparts, suggesting that the plan’s model is effective in addressing ethnic and racial disparities in healthcare.
What Will Healthcare Look Like in 2025?
By 2025, patient-doctor relationships and healthcare delivery will look radically different, according to a forecast by the Institute for Alternative Futures. Working with more than 50 national healthcare leaders, the Institute created four scenarios to show what primary care might look like in 2025. The scenarios take into consideration the nation’s economic challenges, political polarization, and opportunities afforded by technological advances and new delivery systems. Clem Bezold, Institute for Alternative Futures chair and senior futurist said, “In all four scenarios, we forecast that electronic records will become ubiquitous. Community health centers will give high-quality care to low-income people, and a small persistent group of affluent will receive great fee-for-service concierge healthcare. You will see more virtual care, personal health avatars and doctors operating remotely.”
Wellness Programs Get Results
Forty-one percent of workers agree that having a wellness program encourages them to work harder and perform better at work, according to the latest Principal Financial Well-Being Index. The index surveys American workers at growing businesses with 10 to 1,000 workers and is conducted by Harris Interactive. Fifty-two percent of workers (up from 37% last year) say they have more energy to be more productive at work because they participated in a wellness program. Another 35% (up from 28% a year ago) and say they missed fewer days of work. Forty-five percent of workers chose better overall physical health as the top benefit to participating in a wellness program. Other top mentions included receiving a meaningful incentive from their employer for participation (30%) and reduced personal healthcare costs, greater chance of living a longer, healthier life and reduced stress (29% each). Fifty-five percent of workers rated wellness activities offered by an employer as very successful or somewhat successful in improving health and reducing health risks. The top four wellness benefits workers would most like to see their employer offer are fitness center discounts (25%), on-site preventive screenings (22%), access to wellness experts such as nutritionists (21%), and onsite fitness facilities (19%). However, the top four wellness benefits offered by employers are online wellness information (19%), educational tools or resources (18%), fitness center discounts (17%), and printed wellness information (17%). Interestingly, access to wellness experts was only available to 11% of those surveyed.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Berkley Wellness Newsletter
This is one of the best places to stay informed on health topics and receive great emails with current state of the art information.
* Special Offer From Berkeley Wellness Alerts *
Dear Health-Conscious Friend,
Not long ago you expressed an interest in receiving information from Berkeley Wellness Alerts. We thought you might be interested in the special report on high blood pressure described below.
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For all of us, the risk of high blood pressure-hypertension-increases as we get older.
It's one of the most common chronic disorders that we face.
Health Insurnace
Health insurance is a necessity for a family. However, with the price of health insurance rising, more families are looking for affordable options. With a little bit of time and effort, affordable health insurance can be found for the right price.
Health insurance through an employer utilizes a group plan, so the premiums are less expensive. Some employers will also pay a percentage of the premium for each employee. Dependents such as a spouse or children can be enrolled in your employer's health plan in order for the whole family to have insurance coverage.
If you are self-employed or if your job does not offer health insurance benefits, you can obtain private health insurance for yourself and your family. Private insurance tends to be more expensive than insurance through an employer, but there are ways to make it more affordable. When shopping for private health insurance, seek the assistance of an experienced health insurance broker. An insurance broker does not work for just one insurance company; they can sell policies from many different companies, and this allows them to compare different policies to find the best rates. A way to save money is to choose an HMO plan; these offer good coverage and tend to be less expensive than a PPO insurance plan. You will also pay less in premiums if you choose to have a higher deductible. The higher the deductible, the lower the monthly premium.
If money is tight, you may want to purchase a "catastrophe" health insurance plan for yourself and your family. These plans are very affordable, but the deductible can be between $5,000 and $10,000. With a catastrophe health insurance plan, you are responsible for the first $5,000 or $10,000 of medical bills and the insurance company pays the rest. This plan is very useful in case of serious illness or injury that requires an expensive stay in the hospital. If there is no way you can afford to pay for any type of health insurance coverage right now, look into your state's programs. Most states will offer health coverage for children for very little or no cost.
Health insurance can be very expensive, but not having health insurance can be even costlier. There are ways to save money on health insurance; look at all of your options and find the plan that is the best fit for you and your family.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Solution to the Hospital Super Bugs may be at hand.
TEL AVIV, ISRAEL - Researchers at Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University reported that they have developed a new method of restoring antibiotic sensitivity to resistant bacteria. They published their findings in the January issue of the journal Applied and Environmental Microbiology.
They report that their process could eventually be used to fight hospital superbugs. In the United States, an estimated 70% of hospital-acquired infections are due to bacteria that are resistant to at least one antibiotic.
Using a process called lysogenization, scientists used bacteriophages to invade the cell wall of resistant bacteria and restore their sensitivity to antibiotics. Bacteriophages are viruses that can infect bacteria. They conducted their initial experiments with the bacteria Escherichia Coli and the antibiotics streptomycin and nalidixic acid. Genes from mutant or antibiotic-resistant E. coli were isolated in laboratory cultures and genetically engineered to reverse the resistance mechanism. The researchers then targeted the resistant genes using bacteriophages, which contianed the engineered genes. This process rendered the resistant E. coli significantly more sensitive to the antibiotics than control phages carrying mock genes.
The scientists noted that they believe that genetically engineered bacteriophages can be developed for any bacterium and used in hospital settings to reverse antibiotic resistance in bacteria that cause hospital-acquired infections.
Researchers said they expect genetically altered bacteriophages can be developed for any bacterium; these viruses then can be used in a hospital setting to reverse antibiotic resistance in bacteria that cause hospital-acquired infections. Once bacteria are lysogenized, they are less likely to infect humans and perpetuate the cycle of antibiotic-resistance.
The researchers also conducted experiments with Tellurite, which is a substance that is toxic to bacteria. Supplementary treatment with Tellurite would kill bacteria missed by the bacteriophages.
One particularly virulent form of bacterium is methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Hopefully, a future study by the Israeli researchers will focus on this organism. S. aureus is an extremely versatile organism that can cause infections ranging from mild to severe in humans and animals. MRSA can cause a large number of serious illnesses that do not respond well to current medical treatment. It has evolved the ability to survive treatment with a number of antibiotics, including penicillin, methicillin, and cephalosporins. MRSA infections commonly occur in hospitals and other healthcare facilities, such as nursing homes.
Researchers around the globe are devoting a considerable to find treatments to combat MRSA and other hospital-acquired infections. For example, last August investigators at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston announced that they had discovered a molecular process by which the body can defend against the effects of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI), pointing the way to a promising new approach for treating an intestinal disease that has become more common, more severe and harder to cure in recent years. Each year, several million people in the U.S. are infected with CDI, about double the incidence of a decade ago, mainly due to the emergence of a new, highly virulent strain of the bacteria that causes CDI. As a result of the study findings, the researchers are preparing to launch clinical trials using their discovery as a new CDI therapeutic approach.
CDI is a bacterial infection that can cause diarrhea and more serious intestinal conditions, such as colitis (inflammation of the colon). In the most severe cases, CDI can be fatal. It is most commonly acquired in hospitals by patients, particularly the elderly, who are being treated with antibiotics for another infection. Currently, one of two potent antibiotics is used to treat the infection; however, up to 20% of patients experience a relapse and a return of symptoms within a few weeks. C. difficile causes diarrhea and colitis by releasing two potent toxins into the gut lumen that bind to intestinal epithelial cells, initiating an inflammatory response. These toxins are released only when the bacteria are multiplying. When antibiotics are used to treat another infection, it changes the bacterial landscape in the intestines and, in the process, may kill bacteria that under normal conditions would compete with C. difficile for energy. Scientists believe this may be what provides the opportunity for the bacteria to grow and release their toxins.
The researchers found in laboratory studies that upon infection with C. difficile, human cells in the intestine are capable of releasing molecules that will neutralize these toxins, rendering them harmless. In animal studies, the researchers showed that using a drug to induce this process, known as protein s-nitrosylation, inhibited the toxins from destroying intestinal cells. This new approach might also be applied to the treatment of other bacterial infections. Forthcoming clinical trials will test this approach in humans. Caveat: Bacteriophages have yet to be tested on hospital superbugs such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
They report that their process could eventually be used to fight hospital superbugs. In the United States, an estimated 70% of hospital-acquired infections are due to bacteria that are resistant to at least one antibiotic.
Using a process called lysogenization, scientists used bacteriophages to invade the cell wall of resistant bacteria and restore their sensitivity to antibiotics. Bacteriophages are viruses that can infect bacteria. They conducted their initial experiments with the bacteria Escherichia Coli and the antibiotics streptomycin and nalidixic acid. Genes from mutant or antibiotic-resistant E. coli were isolated in laboratory cultures and genetically engineered to reverse the resistance mechanism. The researchers then targeted the resistant genes using bacteriophages, which contianed the engineered genes. This process rendered the resistant E. coli significantly more sensitive to the antibiotics than control phages carrying mock genes.
The scientists noted that they believe that genetically engineered bacteriophages can be developed for any bacterium and used in hospital settings to reverse antibiotic resistance in bacteria that cause hospital-acquired infections.
Researchers said they expect genetically altered bacteriophages can be developed for any bacterium; these viruses then can be used in a hospital setting to reverse antibiotic resistance in bacteria that cause hospital-acquired infections. Once bacteria are lysogenized, they are less likely to infect humans and perpetuate the cycle of antibiotic-resistance.
The researchers also conducted experiments with Tellurite, which is a substance that is toxic to bacteria. Supplementary treatment with Tellurite would kill bacteria missed by the bacteriophages.
One particularly virulent form of bacterium is methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Hopefully, a future study by the Israeli researchers will focus on this organism. S. aureus is an extremely versatile organism that can cause infections ranging from mild to severe in humans and animals. MRSA can cause a large number of serious illnesses that do not respond well to current medical treatment. It has evolved the ability to survive treatment with a number of antibiotics, including penicillin, methicillin, and cephalosporins. MRSA infections commonly occur in hospitals and other healthcare facilities, such as nursing homes.
Researchers around the globe are devoting a considerable to find treatments to combat MRSA and other hospital-acquired infections. For example, last August investigators at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston announced that they had discovered a molecular process by which the body can defend against the effects of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI), pointing the way to a promising new approach for treating an intestinal disease that has become more common, more severe and harder to cure in recent years. Each year, several million people in the U.S. are infected with CDI, about double the incidence of a decade ago, mainly due to the emergence of a new, highly virulent strain of the bacteria that causes CDI. As a result of the study findings, the researchers are preparing to launch clinical trials using their discovery as a new CDI therapeutic approach.
CDI is a bacterial infection that can cause diarrhea and more serious intestinal conditions, such as colitis (inflammation of the colon). In the most severe cases, CDI can be fatal. It is most commonly acquired in hospitals by patients, particularly the elderly, who are being treated with antibiotics for another infection. Currently, one of two potent antibiotics is used to treat the infection; however, up to 20% of patients experience a relapse and a return of symptoms within a few weeks. C. difficile causes diarrhea and colitis by releasing two potent toxins into the gut lumen that bind to intestinal epithelial cells, initiating an inflammatory response. These toxins are released only when the bacteria are multiplying. When antibiotics are used to treat another infection, it changes the bacterial landscape in the intestines and, in the process, may kill bacteria that under normal conditions would compete with C. difficile for energy. Scientists believe this may be what provides the opportunity for the bacteria to grow and release their toxins.
The researchers found in laboratory studies that upon infection with C. difficile, human cells in the intestine are capable of releasing molecules that will neutralize these toxins, rendering them harmless. In animal studies, the researchers showed that using a drug to induce this process, known as protein s-nitrosylation, inhibited the toxins from destroying intestinal cells. This new approach might also be applied to the treatment of other bacterial infections. Forthcoming clinical trials will test this approach in humans. Caveat: Bacteriophages have yet to be tested on hospital superbugs such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
1% of U.S. Residents Accounting for 20% of Total Health Spending
1% of U.S. Residents Accounting for 20% of Total Health Spending
One percent of U.S. residents accounted for more than 20% of overall health care spending in 2009, according to a report by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, HealthLeaders Media reports (Clark, HealthLeaders Media, 1/12).
Further, just 5% of U.S. residents accounted for 50% of health spending, the report found (Kennedy, USA Today, 1/11).
The findings support previous analyses finding that a relatively small number of sick individuals have a large effect on national health care spending, according to National Journal (Sanger-Katz, National Journal, 1/11). However, the study noted that there has been a "decrease in this concentration at the upper tail of the expenditure distribution." For example, in 1996, the top 1% accounted for 28% of total health care spending.
Additional Findings
The report also found that:
■For the top 1% of spenders, average annual health spending was about $90,061 (HealthLeaders Media, 1/12);
■The top 5% of spenders averaged $36,000 annually in health care costs (USA Today, 1/11);
■The bottom 50% of health care spenders accounted for just 2.9% of spending in 2009 and 3.1% in 2008 (HealthLeaders Media, 1/12); and
■About 20% of U.S. residents remained in the top 1% of health care spenders for at least two consecutive years.
Individuals who remained in the top 1% for at least two consecutive years tended to be white women in poor health, elderly and those enrolled in public health insurance plans (USA Today, 1/11).
Highest, Lowest Spenders on Health Care
The report also found that high-income individuals and those with health plans tended to be the highest spenders (National Journal, 1/11). The report noted the following characteristics of the health care spenders in the top 10% in 2009:
■80% were white;
■60% were women (USA Today, 1/11);
■42.9% were ages 65 or older (HealthLeaders Media, 1/12);
■3% were between ages 18 and 29; and
■2% were Asian.
In addition, Hispanics tended to spend less on health care, with 25% of Hispanics among the bottom half of health care spending and just 7% in the top 10% of spenders (USA Today, 1/11).
Read more: http://www.californiahealthline.org/articles/2012/1/12/1-of-us-residents-accounting-for-20-of-total-health-spending.aspx#ixzz1jpkSsrux
One percent of U.S. residents accounted for more than 20% of overall health care spending in 2009, according to a report by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, HealthLeaders Media reports (Clark, HealthLeaders Media, 1/12).
Further, just 5% of U.S. residents accounted for 50% of health spending, the report found (Kennedy, USA Today, 1/11).
The findings support previous analyses finding that a relatively small number of sick individuals have a large effect on national health care spending, according to National Journal (Sanger-Katz, National Journal, 1/11). However, the study noted that there has been a "decrease in this concentration at the upper tail of the expenditure distribution." For example, in 1996, the top 1% accounted for 28% of total health care spending.
Additional Findings
The report also found that:
■For the top 1% of spenders, average annual health spending was about $90,061 (HealthLeaders Media, 1/12);
■The top 5% of spenders averaged $36,000 annually in health care costs (USA Today, 1/11);
■The bottom 50% of health care spenders accounted for just 2.9% of spending in 2009 and 3.1% in 2008 (HealthLeaders Media, 1/12); and
■About 20% of U.S. residents remained in the top 1% of health care spenders for at least two consecutive years.
Individuals who remained in the top 1% for at least two consecutive years tended to be white women in poor health, elderly and those enrolled in public health insurance plans (USA Today, 1/11).
Highest, Lowest Spenders on Health Care
The report also found that high-income individuals and those with health plans tended to be the highest spenders (National Journal, 1/11). The report noted the following characteristics of the health care spenders in the top 10% in 2009:
■80% were white;
■60% were women (USA Today, 1/11);
■42.9% were ages 65 or older (HealthLeaders Media, 1/12);
■3% were between ages 18 and 29; and
■2% were Asian.
In addition, Hispanics tended to spend less on health care, with 25% of Hispanics among the bottom half of health care spending and just 7% in the top 10% of spenders (USA Today, 1/11).
Read more: http://www.californiahealthline.org/articles/2012/1/12/1-of-us-residents-accounting-for-20-of-total-health-spending.aspx#ixzz1jpkSsrux
Saturday, January 07, 2012
Not Good News for California Employers or Employees
By Marc Lifsher, Los Angeles Times
January 4, 2012, 5:22 p.m.
Reporting from Sacramento— Fewer California companies offered their workers health insurance last year, and the ones that did charged employees more for their coverage.
That's among the findings of an annual California Employer Health Benefits Survey released Wednesday by the California HealthCare Foundation, a research and grant-making nonprofit organization.
According to the survey, premiums for employer health insurance plans have risen 153.5% since 2002, a rate that's more than five times the increase in California's inflation rate.
In the last two years alone, the proportion of state employers offering coverage to workers fell to 63% from 73%, the survey said.
"This is a departure from previous years and could be an early sign of future changes," the foundation report noted in commentary on data collected between July and October 2011 in interviews with 770 private firm benefit managers.
The steady rise in costs during a prolonged economic downturn contributed to decisions by about a quarter of employers to either reduce benefits or increase cost sharing for employees in 2011. A slightly smaller percentage, 22%, opted to make workers pay more of the share of the higher premiums.
Health insurance is expected to take even more money out of workers' pockets this year. The survey indicated that 36% of California firms said they were either "very" or somewhat" likely to raise the amount that their staff paid in premiums in 2012.
Rising costs and shrinking coverage are accelerating, said Anthony Wright, executive director of Health Access California, a group that advocates for expanded health insurance coverage.
"They are frankly multi-decade trends," he said. "What is notable is that this is more significant than usual."
What's been a "gradual erosion of employer-based coverage in good years" has evolved into "a steep one in bad years," Wright said. "To be down to 63% [of California companies offering coverage] is huge. It used to be up over 80%."
Patrick Johnston, president of the California Assn. of Health Plans, blamed the rising premiums on expensive technology, the spread of chronic disease and an aging population, among other factors. Johnston's organization represents 40 California health plans that cover 21 million people.
What's more, he noted that years of cutting reimbursements to doctors and hospitals by the government-run Medi-Cal program have created a "cost shift" that has to be "made up in negotiations for higher rates for commercial payers such as employers."
Insurer profits, Johnston argued, are not a leading cost driver since publicly traded California insurers keep only 13 cents out of every premium dollar to pay for expenses and to secure earnings that average 3% to 5% of revenue.
Both Wright and Johnston predicted that full implementation of President Obama's healthcare reform plan in 2014 could go a long way toward broadening coverage and to an eventual control of raging medical cost inflation.
"I hope that some of the reforms start to change the picture," Wright said. "It's clear that if we repeal [the law] or retreat back to the status quo, we will have some trends that simply are unsustainable."
marc.lifsher@latimes.com
Copyright © 2012, Los Angeles Times
January 4, 2012, 5:22 p.m.
Reporting from Sacramento— Fewer California companies offered their workers health insurance last year, and the ones that did charged employees more for their coverage.
That's among the findings of an annual California Employer Health Benefits Survey released Wednesday by the California HealthCare Foundation, a research and grant-making nonprofit organization.
According to the survey, premiums for employer health insurance plans have risen 153.5% since 2002, a rate that's more than five times the increase in California's inflation rate.
In the last two years alone, the proportion of state employers offering coverage to workers fell to 63% from 73%, the survey said.
"This is a departure from previous years and could be an early sign of future changes," the foundation report noted in commentary on data collected between July and October 2011 in interviews with 770 private firm benefit managers.
The steady rise in costs during a prolonged economic downturn contributed to decisions by about a quarter of employers to either reduce benefits or increase cost sharing for employees in 2011. A slightly smaller percentage, 22%, opted to make workers pay more of the share of the higher premiums.
Health insurance is expected to take even more money out of workers' pockets this year. The survey indicated that 36% of California firms said they were either "very" or somewhat" likely to raise the amount that their staff paid in premiums in 2012.
Rising costs and shrinking coverage are accelerating, said Anthony Wright, executive director of Health Access California, a group that advocates for expanded health insurance coverage.
"They are frankly multi-decade trends," he said. "What is notable is that this is more significant than usual."
What's been a "gradual erosion of employer-based coverage in good years" has evolved into "a steep one in bad years," Wright said. "To be down to 63% [of California companies offering coverage] is huge. It used to be up over 80%."
Patrick Johnston, president of the California Assn. of Health Plans, blamed the rising premiums on expensive technology, the spread of chronic disease and an aging population, among other factors. Johnston's organization represents 40 California health plans that cover 21 million people.
What's more, he noted that years of cutting reimbursements to doctors and hospitals by the government-run Medi-Cal program have created a "cost shift" that has to be "made up in negotiations for higher rates for commercial payers such as employers."
Insurer profits, Johnston argued, are not a leading cost driver since publicly traded California insurers keep only 13 cents out of every premium dollar to pay for expenses and to secure earnings that average 3% to 5% of revenue.
Both Wright and Johnston predicted that full implementation of President Obama's healthcare reform plan in 2014 could go a long way toward broadening coverage and to an eventual control of raging medical cost inflation.
"I hope that some of the reforms start to change the picture," Wright said. "It's clear that if we repeal [the law] or retreat back to the status quo, we will have some trends that simply are unsustainable."
marc.lifsher@latimes.com
Copyright © 2012, Los Angeles Times
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