Generic Drugs Rein In Rising Rx Costs
Generic drugs may be an employer’s first line of defense in reducing prescription drug costs, according to experts at the Benefits Management Forum & Expo.
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Generic Drugs.
Companies’ Uncertainties Over CDH Plans Diminish
Employers are becoming more comfortable with consumer-driven health plans, according to Aon Consulting and the International Society of Certified Employee Benefit Specialists.
A recent survey of 470 employers shows that 37% offered a CDHP, up from 28% in 2006 and 22% in 2005. Among those with CDHPs, 42% provided health reimbursement arrangements, 48% offered health savings accounts and 10% offered both.
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CDHP.
Medical Costs, Rx Utilization Rates Declining
Medical claims costs and prescription drug use are projected to decline in 2008, reflecting patients’ growing awareness of the need to spend wisely on health care, according to a new survey from The Segal Co.
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Rx Utilization.
More Employers Offering Only Consumer-Driven Health Plans
Plagued by high health care costs, more employers are embracing the concept of replacing all existing medical insurance plans and implementing a full-replacement consumer-driven health care program. But, they are proceeding with caution.
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Workforce Management.
Health Care Inflation Slows Down This Year
Premium increases are smaller this year than in previous years, but the number of employers offering medical insurance is declining, according to a new
report from the Kaiser Family Foundation and the Health Research and Educational Trust.
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Employee Benefit News.
U.S. Obesity Rates Continue To Rise, Study Finds
The U.S. obesity rate continues to rise and is increasing at a faster clip than it has in the past, according to a study released on Monday by the
Trust for America's Health, the
Philadelphia Inquirer reports. The report found that at least one person in five is obese in 47 states nationwide; by comparison, in 1991, one person in five was obese in four of the 50 states
(Sullivan, Philadelphia Inquirer, 8/28).
More U.S. Companies Open Onsite Health Clinics as Part of Effort To Reduce Health Care Costs
According to Gannett/Press, onsite health clinics "provide convenience for workers, diagnose potentially dangerous and costly health problems earlier and increase productivity by reducing time away from work."
Some companies offer financial incentives to employees who use the onsite health clinics, such as reduced copayments and deductibles. About 35% to 50% of employees at companies with onsite health clinics use the facilities, Marne Bell, a health care consultant at Watson Wyatt, said.
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Health Clinics.
Employers Working Toward Happy, Healthier Employees
About 600 faculty members and staff were invited to the 1 p.m. session, run weekly by Maria Ashton, the school’s benefits administrator. It’s part of a wellness initiative aimed at promoting health and reducing health-care costs.
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Healthier Employees.
Spending More Time On Benefits Decisions
With open enrollment season rapidly approaching, employers and insurers are gearing up for the three P’s that accompany a benefits adjustment: publicity, planning and patience.
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Benefit Decisions.
