This is a required course for the GBA and CEBS designations.
Please note: This course will be revised for the fourth quarter 2008 testing and will be known as Group Health Plan Design.
The first two assignments of GBA 1 set the stage for the study of employee benefits to be pursued in the remainder of GBA 1 and 2 by examining the employee benefit environment, the functional approach to benefit planning, and risk management and insurance techniques in employee benefits. Much of this introductory material encompasses retirement plans, covered in RPA 1 and RPA 2 of the CEBS program, as well.
The coverage of health care benefits begins with a discussion of the environment of health care and health care plans, followed by health plan designs and cost-control techniques. An assignment is devoted to the managed care spectrum as well as one to the health care cost equation. Other assignments cover evaluating and selecting health and managed care plans, maintaining and improving employee health, medical benefits for retirees, and long-term care. Dental plans and specialized benefits—behavioral health, prescription drugs, vision, and hearing care plans—also are covered as is the timely topic of consumer-driven health plans, including health reimbursement accounts and health savings accounts. The course concludes with quality health care purchasing and vendor management, as well as fiduciary liability and ethical responsibility.
Note: The same text is used in GBA 2—Employee Benefits: Design, Administration and Other Welfare Benefits (CEBS Course 2). The textbook will remain current for the 2008 course revision.
May meet CE Credit Requirements
ACE Credit Recommendation also available. Enrichment Reading:Employee Benefits Answer BookHealth Insurance Answer Book