EBIS Search Results
To order copies of these articles, use the online order form or contact the Document Delivery Service at bookstore@ifebp.org or (888) 334-3327, option 4.
These executive summaries were compiled from EMPLOYEE BENEFITS INFOSOURCE database, a source for information on employee benefits and human resources.
In Pursuit of Pearly Whites.
Gresham, Lynn; Employee Benefit News; v24 no9 pp 1, 7, 18-19 Jul 2010; journal article
Availability :
International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans
Abstract :
The demand for a perfect smile is high, with people seeking whiter teeth through bleaching, natural colored fillings and veneers. Cosmetic dental procedures represent a growing percentage of dental office income, and insurers including Sun Life, American General Benefits Solutions Assurant Employee Benefits and Guardian have responded by offering voluntary benefits and riders. Some see dermal filler therapy or Botox as a natural progression for cosmetic dentistry in promoting personal health, self-confidence and well-being.
[0158689]
What Lies Beneath.
Gresham, Lynn; Employee Benefit News; v24 no8 pp 30, 32-33 Jun 15, 2010; journal article
Availability :
International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans
Abstract :
The Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 and the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 had less impact on dental benefits than most other medical benefits. The bills as passed created significantly fewer changes to dental coverage than preliminary versions. The exemption of dental plans from a 40 percent excise tax on high end insurance plans is encouraging for dental providers. Requirements for universal child coverage beginning in 2014 will benefit workers, but there is some concern they may encourage adults to drop coverage. Some experts say that the 2014 requirements will dramatically change the delivery of dental care as it makes only limited provision for standalone dental plans in the mandatory benefits package.
[0158591]
The Eyes Have It.
Koster, Kathleen; Employee Benefit News; v24 no5 pp 32-34 Apr 15, 2010; journal article
Availability :
International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans
Abstract :
Vision care is an important route to early discovery of unrecognized health issues and health care cost management. The Vision Council of America reports that uncorrected vision problems can lower employee productivity by up to 20 percent. Analysis by Human Capital Management Services for VSP Vision Care documented that spotting signs of diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol through eye exams ultimately saved between $204,000 and $968,000 for each of five companies studied. To see the positive effects of good vision care on employee health and productivity, communication of vision care benefits is key with strong encouragement for plan enrollees to start by having an eye exam.
[0158202]
How Home Depot Rolled Out a Completely Revised Medical Plan.
Managing Benefits Plans; no10-04 pp 1-5 Apr 2010; journal article
Availability :
International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans
Abstract :
In 2009, Home Depot rolled out a new medical program to cut costs and simplify employee choice. Four months before the rollout, Home Depot held a vendor summit, beginning by letting vendors visit a store and experience what it was like to be a Home Depot associate and following up with a meeting where the company and carriers discussed who would do what and how best to leverage available resources. A month before rollout, Home Depot communicated with its employees, hiring an actress to be the face for employee benefits, designing a logo for benefits programs and providing media about the upcoming open enrollment. The final program reduced the number of plans from 96 to 9 and included preventive care, vision and dental. For the first year of the new program, enrollment was stable for medical and increased for dental and vision, with online enrollment increasing from 67 percent in 2008 to 87 percent.
[0158310]
Out-of-Pocket Health Care Expenditures: A Comparison.
Foster, Ann C.; Monthly Labor Review; v133 no2 pp 3-19 Feb 2010; journal article
Availability :
International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans
Abstract :
Various aspects of health care spending from 1996 through 2006 are reflected in the data of the Consumer Expenditure (CE) Survey, the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) and the National Health Expenditure Accounts (NHEA), sponsored by different federal agencies. The data cover total health care, hospital care, physician services, other professional services, dental services, prescription drugs and medical supplies. The CE survey is based on individual interviews and diary reports. Differences in data source and scope yield data that are disparate and not directly comparable. Ratios reflecting the comparisons of CE data with MEPS data and with NHEA data show CE-MEPS ratios for total health care highest for hospital care and lowest for prescription drugs, while the CE-NHEA ratios were highest for drugs and lowest for physician services.
[0158000]