Brokers Do It Better
That’s the message to lawmakers from a coalition of industry groups representing America’s ranks of health insurance agents, brokers, advisers, consultants and other professionals.
The coalition — comprised of NAIFA’s Association of Health Insurance Advisors, the Council of Insurance Agents & Brokers, the National Association of Health Underwriters and the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America — says leaving it up to the government to help Americans cope in a reformed health marketplace just isn’t a smart decision.
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Message to Lawmakers.
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Halfway Knowing COBRA Can Get Employers In Trouble
The vice president of education at CONEXIS, a Texas-based benefit consultancy firm, Peterson made her point clear: if straight talk gets employers to become more vigilant about keeping abreast of COBRA laws and producers, then so be it.
Administering COBRA "is simple if you know everything you need to know and when you need to know it," Peterson told attendees.
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Cobra.
IRS Issues 2010 Contribution Limits To HSA Plans
The Internal Revenue Service recently released a notice outlining 2010 minimums and maximums for health savings accounts plans and high-deductible health plans.
For calendar year 2010, the annual HSA contribution limit for an individual with self-only HDHP coverage is $3,050, up $50 from 2009. For an individual with family coverage under a HDHP, the new limit is $6,150, up $200 from 2009.
The 2010 minimum on HDHP deductibles, for self-only HDHP coverage, jumped to $1,200 (up $50 from 2009), and $2,400 (up $100 from 2009) for family coverage. The 2010 maximum on HDHP out-of-pocket expense increased to $5,950 (up $150 from 2009) for self-only HDHP coverage and $11,900 ($300 from 2009) for family HDHP coverage.
Article provided Employee BenefitNews 5-21-09
Americans Financially Unprepared For Disability
A survey of more than 1,000 working Americans conducted last month by Kelton Research on behalf of the nonprofit LIFE Foundation suggests that people are financially vulnerable in the event that they become sick or hurt and cannot work at a time when savings have been seriously eroded.
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Disability to read more.
Gender Gap: Health Care Costs Hit Women Harder
Research from the CommonWealth Fund shows women are more likely to skip care and also spend a greater share of their income on medical services than their male counterparts.
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Gender Gap.
Obesity, Arthritis Affects Women In Later Years
Disabilities related to obesity and arthritis decrease women's quality of life during their senior years, according to research presented Saturday at the American Geriatrics Society's annual meeting in Chicago.
"While women tend to live longer than men, this study shows that they are at greater risk of living with disability and much of the excess disability is attributable to higher rates of obesity and arthritis," Dr. Heather Whitson from Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina who presented the study, noted in a statement.
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Disabilities.
May is Mental Health Month "Laughter Heals"
We often hear “laughter is the best medicine”. Laughter can lower blood pressure, reduce stress, boost your immune system along with making you feel better! How often have you been with someone who is happy & laughing and suddenly you start to join in the laughter? Laughter is highly contagious...much more so than a cough or sneeze. Research has consistently shown that laughing can improve stress, anxiety and depression. The next time you are feeling down, take a few minutes to read a funny book, reminisce about a funny event in your life, pet the dog, or play with your child. Surround yourself with happy, positive people. When faced with a situation that threatens your happiness, ask yourself “Will this matter tomorrow?” There are times when you must take yourself less seriously; there are also times in life that is inappropriate to laugh. Don’t take the weight of the world on your shoulders, ask for help if necessary. Life will be better & healthier if daily laughter is included.
Article provided by Infinity Employer Health Solutions
Use Mental Health Month to Separate Fact From Fiction
While the current recession is hitting employees hard financially, it may be taking even a greater toll on their mental health. A 2008 survey from the American Psychological Association found that 80% of Americans say the economy is a significant source of stress. Among those surveyed, 49% said they felt nervous or anxious; 48% reported feeling depressed or sad.
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mental health.
