A new health cost hurdle

Article Abstract:

The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1989, designed in part to control the costs of Medicare, may significantly affect the way Medicare reimburses doctors, possibly resulting in increased employer health care costs. The changes that employers may see as the law becomes effective include increases in the cost of primary care under employer plans, decreases in the charges of doctors engaged in invasive medicine only for people covered by Medicare, and a shift away diagnostic testing and surgery for Medicare-covered people. The defensive strategies employers can adopt now include analyzing health care plan data, looking for patterns of increased costs or use; considering a utilization review of diagnostic testing and surgery; and considering contracting with a preferred provider organization. Beneficial changes could include fewer surgeries, increased emphasis on prevention, and more rural practices.

Analysis, Employee benefits

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Manage HR budgets for greater productivity: employee health costs keep rising

Article Abstract:

The Olsten Forum survey finds that the majority of North American companies had experienced increases in employee health care costs exceeding 10 percent. Most companies have passed on the cost increases to their employees. The survey also finds that the size of work forces has remained fairly stable. Many firms have adopted various strategies to control payroll costs such as: hiring freezes, reductions in overtime, and increased use of temporary and contract employees. An increased number of firms, however, have opted to downsize due to the general slowdown of business.

Health and allied services, not elsewhere classified, Accident and health insurance, Economic aspects, Health care industry, Surveys, Human resource departments, Downsizing (Management), Olsten Corp.

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Understanding the forces that drive mental health and chemical dependency utilization

Article Abstract:

Employers have incurred increased costs due to mental and chemical dependency disorders of their employees. To create programs for cost management, benefits specialists must know the reasons for its utilization. The way employees and dependents acquire care should be determined in order to determine a plan for managing mental health and chemical dependency costs. The aim of cost management is to lessen costs through omission of irrelevant and inefficient care.

Health aspects, Care and treatment, Management, Prevention, Psychiatric services, Mental health services, Substance abuse, Workers, Problem employees

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