Why employers should care about Medicare+Choice
Article Abstract:
Employers should be aware of the implications of Medicare+Choice for their benefits strategy as well as their overall business objectives. Medicare+Choice, created under the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, would result in an annual increase of 2% in Medicare payments to health maintenance organizations (HMOs) and other health care providers. The Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) will also reduce payments to managed care organizations whose enrollees are healthier than average while increasing payments to those with less healthy members. Another financial effect of Medicare+Choice is the possibility that new players will be encouraged to enter the market and more HMOs will operate in rural areas. Employers are advised to take advantage of these developments to reduce their benefits expenses and allow them to provide affordable retiree medical benefits.
Publication Name: Benefits Quarterly
Subject: Human resources and labor relations
ISSN: 8756-1263
Year: 1999
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Retiree health care benefits: New rules, new strategies
Article Abstract:
In the 'Erie County' age discrimination case, the court rulings make retiree health plan design more complicated but also offer employers opportunities. The ruling found that the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) applies to retirees, and found that the coverage offered to the employees in the case was discriminatory in that the older retirees paid more than younger retirees for their Medicare. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has incorporated the court ruling in this case into its compliance manual for ADEA. Smart employees will use the rulings to restructure retirement health benefits to help with employee retention and other business needs while complying with ADEA.
Publication Name: Benefits Quarterly
Subject: Human resources and labor relations
ISSN: 8756-1263
Year: 2001
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Engaging employees in health care: can contain costs and improve quality
Article Abstract:
Employers need to do much more to change some of the deep-seated employee attitudes and behaviors that are driving health care costs. The results employers can obtain by taking specific initiatives that provide employees with the motivation and resources they need to effectively manage health risks and make informed health care decisions are discussed.
Publication Name: Benefits Quarterly
Subject: Human resources and labor relations
ISSN: 8756-1263
Year: 2004
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