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Business Group Resources and Publications

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  Consumer Reports Health® Campaign
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  Telework: The Impact on Health and Health Improvement Strategies
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  Childhood Obesity: It's Everyone's Business
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  Healthy Dining at Work
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  Financial Incentives for Healthy Lifestyles
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  Impact of Advanced Illness on the Workplace: What Employers Need to Know
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  Physical Activity: Re-evaluating the Business Case and Employer Strategies
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  The Value of On-Site Health Centers
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  Using Information to Get High Quality Care
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  Health Assessment Toolkit: A Road Map for Employers
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  Engaging Large Employers Regarding Evidence-Based Behavioral Health Treatment
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  Health Reform (Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act) Implementation and Communications Toolkit
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  Purchaser's Guide to Clinical Preventive Services
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  Building Blocks for Health Engagement
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  Ensuring Patient Safety Across Health Care
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  LightenUP: A Worksite Approach to Promoting Healthy Weight Management
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  Helping Employees Choose the Right Hospital
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  Breastfeeding Programs and Policies in the Workplace
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  Healthy Lifestyles: Communications Strategies and Tips
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  Tobacco: The Business of Quitting
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  Starting a Weight-Management Program in Your Company
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  The Imperative for Health Reform: Position of the National Business Group on Health
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  Maternal and Child Health
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  Lasting Weight Loss - The Top 12 Ways to Keep it Off
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Health Care Law Implementation Forum (Webinar Presentation)
Health Care Law Implementation Forum 		Feb 03, 2012
  Comments to the Department of Health and Human Services on Regulatory Approach to Defining "Essential Health Benefits" (Comments and Letters)
The National Business Group on Health, in response to the Department of Health and Human Services' Essential Health Benefits Bulletin, submitted comments supporting a regulatory approach to "essential health benefits" that allows uniform plan administration for self-insured plans and promotes clinical effectiveness, efficiency, and value-based benefit design. 		Jan 31, 2012
DOL Proposes Expanded Military Family Leave under FMLA (Policy Alert)
The Department of Labor (DOL) has issued proposed regulations under the FMLA that would expand military caregiver leave, expand qualifying exigency leave, and establish special hours of service requirements for airline flight crew employees to be eligible for FMLA leave. 		Jan 31, 2012
Summary of Pfizer's Lipitor Strategy and Implications for Employers (Background Information)
This document provides background information on the strategy that Pfizer has used to maintain the market share of Lipitor during the 6-month generic exclusivity period, and the short and long-term implications for employers. 		Jan 31, 2012
  Tool 3, Part I: Request for Proposal (RFP) Questions and Requested Evidence For Vendors (Report)
This tool is intended to be used in creating an RFP that will be sent to current and/or potential medical and pharmacy plan vendors, for the benefits outlined in the Employer's Guide to Cancer Treatment and Prevention. 		Jan 31, 2012
Comparative Effectiveness Research Board Announces Funding Priorities (Washington Business Health Update)
The Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI), an independent advisory board created by the health care law, identified five broad areas, rather than identifying specific conditions or treatments, where it intends to fund comparative effectiveness research studies. 		Jan 27, 2012
Congress Looks for Ways to Extend the Payroll Tax Cut, Unemployment Benefits and Physician Reimbursements Until the End of the Year (Washington Business Health Update)
Twenty House and Senate appointed conferees, led by House Ways and Means Committee Chair Dave Camp (R-MI) and Senate Finance Committee Chair Max Baucus (D-MT), met for the first time to find ways to pay for an extension of the payroll tax cut. Currently, the payroll tax cut and unemployment benefits expire on February 29th and on March 1st Medicare is scheduled to cut physician reimbursements by 27% unless Congress acts. 		Jan 27, 2012
President Barely Mentions Health Care Law in State of the Union Address, Will Look at Medicare/Medicaid Changes in Exchange for New Surtax on Millionaires (Washington Business Health Update)
The President's focus on seemingly every other issue but health care is likely a recognition that he has already gained whatever political capital he will get from its passage and that dwelling on it in the period leading up to the election could harm his potential reelection chances in November. 		Jan 27, 2012
Increasing Workplace Physical Activity: How Short Bouts of Exercise Can Improve Business and Health (Webinar Presentation)
This webinar presentation presents the latest research on the impact of short bouts of physical activity and how Kaiser Permanente successfully incorporated short exercise breaks into employees' daily routines. 		Jan 24, 2012
Health Care Law Implementation Forum (Webinar Presentation)
Steve Wojcik, the National Business Group on Health's Vice President of Public Policy, led an informal discussion and look at the latest developments on implementing the health care law, any likely changes in the law and the 2012 election. 		Jan 20, 2012
Department of Labor Begins Citing Employers for Not Providing Accommodations to Nursing Mothers (Washington Business Health Update)
The Department of Labor's (DoL) Wage and Hours division cited 23 companies for not-complying with new requirements under the health care law pertaining to accommodations in the workplace for non-exempt employees who are also nursing mothers. 		Jan 13, 2012
HHS Issues Additional Regulations for Retiree Drug Subsidy Program (Policy Alert)
HHS has issued additional regulations on how employers should report payments to PBMs for purposes of the Retiree Drug Subsidy Program. 		Jan 13, 2012
President Obama Appoints 3 to National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) Without Congress' Okay (Washington Business Health Update)
President Obama made three recess appointments valid until the end of 2013 (two Democrats and one Republican) that filled vacancies on the NLRB that Senators previously blocked to stop either party from gaining a majority on the board. 		Jan 13, 2012
Senators Request Task Force on Adverse Drug Events (Washington Business Health Update)
In reaction to a study that found that overdoses of four common drug medications cause two-thirds of adverse drug reaction-related hospitalizations, Senators Michael Bennett (D-CO) and Olympia Snowe (R-ME) sent a letter to the Secretary of Health and Human Services requesting the creation of a federal task force to work on mechanisms that would identify patients at risk for certain adverse drug reactions. 		Jan 13, 2012
Cancer in the Workplace: Selecting Strategic Partners (Webinar Presentation)
This webinar provides guidance on evaluation vendor RFP responses for the benefits outlined in the Employer's Guide to Cancer Treatment and Prevention. 		Jan 12, 2012
Administration of Health & Welfare Benefit Plans (Quick Survey Results)
The purpose of this member-requested survey was to determine how prevalent internal administration of health benefits was among large employers. The survey also sought information on the cost effectiveness of self-administering over outsourcing the administration to a third-party administrator. 		Jan 11, 2012
  Tool 3, Part II: Request for Proposal (RFP) and Response Evaluation for Employers (Report)
The purpose of this tool is to provide guidance on evaluation vendor RFP responses for the benefits outlined the the Benefit Design & Assessment Tool (Tool 2). 		Jan 11, 2012
State Actions to Implement Exchanges (Chart)
A regularly updated chart containing state actions to implement the health insurance exchanges. 		Jan 09, 2012
State Actions to Implement the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Chart)
A chart tracking state actions to implement state exchanges, change their tax code to conform to IRS changes Re: adult dependents, and expand Medicaid programs. 		Jan 09, 2012
  Comments to CMS on Medical Loss Ratio Requirements under the Affordable Care Act (Comments and Letters)
The National Business Group on Health, in response to CMS's final regulations implementing the Affordable Care Act's medical loss ratio requirements, submitted comments recommending modifications that take into account the structure of consumer-directed health plans. 		Jan 06, 2012
Health Care Law Implementation Forum (Webinar Presentation)
Debbie Harrison, the National Business Group on Health's Senior Manager of Public Policy, led an informal discussion and look at the latest developments on implementing the health care law and any likely changes in the law. 		Jan 06, 2012
IRS Issues Additional Guidance on W-2 Reporting Requirement under the Affordable Care Act (Policy Alert)
The IRS has issued additional guidance on how employers should report the costs of health coverage on Forms W-2. 		Jan 05, 2012
San Francisco Issues New Guidance on Health Care Security Ordinance (Policy Alert)
San Francisco's Office of Labor Standards Enforcement has issued guidance on new Health Care Security Ordinance provisions. 		Jan 04, 2012
Consumer Health Mindset: Views, Behaviors and Solutions (Survey Report)
Conducted jointly by Aon Hewitt, the National Business Group on Health and the Futures Company, this survey focused on understand employee's perspective on their health and health care. The survey shows what motivates employees to live a healthy life as well as what barriers exist that prevent them from engaging in a healthy lifestyle. 		Jan 03, 2012
Employer Experiences with Health Improvement Programs: The Latest Findings from WISCORE, the Wellness Impact Scorecard (Webinar Presentation)
This webinar provides benchmarks from WISCORE, the Wellness Impact Scorecard, around healthy behaviors, employee participation in health improvement programs and change in the health of their employees over time. In addition, it highlights the tactics employed by employers who have high levels of healthy behaviors within their organizations. 		Dec 19, 2011
HHS Guidance Proposes to Let Each State Define (Policy Alert)
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a Bulletin outlining a proposed regulatory approach to defining "essential health benefits" under the Affordable Care Act. 		Dec 19, 2011
Congress Reaches Deal to Keep the Government Open, Heads Towards Compromise on Extending Payroll Tax Cut (Washington Business Health Update)
The House and Senate reached a $1 trillion tentative agreement to keep the government open until next September-Congress must now turn its attention to the expiring payroll tax cut (about $1,000 per taxpayer), unemployment benefits and avoiding the 27% cut in Medicare physician reimbursements scheduled for January 1. 		Dec 16, 2011
Health Care Law Implementation Forum (Webinar Presentation)
Steve Wojcik, the National Business Group on Health's Vice President of Public Policy, led an informal discussion and look at the latest developments on implementing the health care law and any likely changes in the law. 		Dec 16, 2011
Medicare Rule Sets Up Disclosure of Payments by Drug, Medical Device Manufacturers to Physicians and Teaching Hospitals in 2013 (Washington Business Health Update)
CMS released a proposed rule to implement the new health care law's provision that would publicly disclose payments or other transfers of value by manufacturers of drugs, devices, biologicals and medical supplies and group purchasing organizations (GPOs) covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP to physicians and teaching hospitals. 		Dec 16, 2011
Representative Paul Ryan (R-WI) and Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) Propose Medicare Exchange and Voluntary Employee Health Coverage Voucher for Small Employers (Washington Business Health Update)
Representative Paul Ryan (R-WI) and Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) introduced a proposal to allow seniors to choose traditional Medicare or an $8,000 subsidy, adjusted for health status, to purchase private health plans in a Medicare exchange and small employers to offer vouchers to all of their employees to purchase their own health insurance in the individual market or through the health insurance exchanges. 		Dec 16, 2011
2011/2012 Staying@Work Survey (Survey Report)
Conducted by Towers Watson and the National Business Group on Health, this year's survey found that companies with effective health and productivity programs are more likely to experience lower health care costs, better productivity and overall better financial outcomes. 		Dec 15, 2011
A Letter from Helen Darling about Deadly Infections (Comments and Letters)
This letter discusses the importance of engaging employees in patient safety and strategies for disseminating the Deadly Infections report from Consumer Reports to employees and dependents. 		Dec 15, 2011
A Template Letter about Deadly Infections (Comments and Letters)
This template letter provides employers with a sample language they can use when disseminating the Deadly Infections report from Consumer Reports to employees. 		Dec 15, 2011
Deadly Infections (Report)
This investigative report from Consumer Reports provides information on hospital infections, including top and bottom performing hospitals by state. 		Dec 15, 2011
Hospital Infections: Employers Can Help Reduce Risk and Save Lives (Webinar Presentation)
Dr. John Santa, Director of Consumer Reports Health Ratings Center discusses how employers and employees can help reduce hospital infections. This webinar is the first of four in the Consumer Reports Health® Webinar Series. 		Dec 15, 2011
  Letter to Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius Clarifying the Business Group's Position on Allowing Stand Alone Vision Plans as a Buy-in Option in the Health Insurance Exchanges (Comments and Letters)
The National Business Group on Health (Business Group) sent a letter to HHS Secretary Sebelius clarifying our request that HHS include vision benefits provided by ancillary, or stand-alone plans as a buy-in option in the health insurance exchanges, which we still strongly support, from our recommendations on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act's (Affordable Care Act) requirement for pediatric vision services under the essential health benefits package in the final exchange rules. 		Dec 14, 2011
  Comments to the Internal Revenue Service on the Proposed Affordability Safe Harbor for Employers under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Comments and Letters)
The National Business Group on Health, in response to the Internal Revenue Service's Request for Comments on Health Coverage Affordability Safe Harbor for Employers (Section 4980H), submitted comments recommending that plan sponsors be allowed flexibility to adapt compliance procedures to existing benefit, payroll, and reporting arrangements. 		Dec 13, 2011
Early Retirement Reinsurance Program to End (Policy Alert)
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services issued guidance stating that the Early Retiree Reinsurance Program will end for claims incurred after December 31, 2011. 		Dec 13, 2011
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' (CMS) Final Rule Paves the Way for Release of Medicare Claims Data (Policy Alert)
CMS released a final rule on Medicare claims data sharing that allows qualified entities (employers, data warehouses/integrators, insurers, nonprofit organizations, consumer groups, etc.) to combine Medicare claims data with commercial claims data to evaluate physicians' efficiency and measure their performance on specific quality measures at the individual physician, physician group, or integrated delivery system levels. 		Dec 12, 2011
State and City Mandated Paid Sick Leave (Quick Survey Results)
The purpose of this survey was to determine how employers affected by mandated paid sick leave laws have reacted to the legislation, and what challenges they have faced in complying. 		Dec 08, 2011
Public Transportation Benefits (Quick Survey Results)
The purpose of this survey was to determine how many employers offer a public transportation benefit, and, especially, how many employees take advantage of the benefit. Additionally, employers were asked how they coordinate the benefit with local transit authorities. 		Dec 05, 2011
Employers' Response to China's Mandatory Social Insurance Participation for Foreigners (Quick Survey Results)
The objective of this survey was to better understand how employers are responding to this legislation for both locally-hired foreign workers and U.S. expatriate employees working in China. 		Dec 04, 2011
Benefits Communication Benchmarking (Conference Call Highlights)
This month's topic is: The Future of Electronic Communications. 		Dec 02, 2011
Health Care Law Implementation Forum (Webinar Presentation)
Steve Wojcik, the National Business Group on Health's Vice President of Public Policy, led an informal discussion and look at the latest developments on implementing the health care law and any likely changes in the law. 		Dec 02, 2011
Healthy Dining: Offerings and Contract Requirements (Quick Survey Results)
The purpose of this survey was to determine what employers are doing in regards to offering and evaluating healthy dining options. In addition, employers were asked how they define healthy entrées, snacks and a healthy dining program in general. 		Dec 01, 2011
"Super" Committee Fails to Reach Deal; Now Congress Must Act to Avoid Across-the-Board Cuts and Medicare Physician Reimbursement Cuts (Washington Business Health Update)
Members of the congressional "super" committee failed to agree on specific spending cuts and taxes to avoid triggering across-the-board cuts or stave off a 27.4% Medicare physician reimbursement cut scheduled to take effect on this January 1st. 		Nov 30, 2011
Senators Introduce a Bill to Bring Generic Drugs to the Market Sooner (Washington Business Health Update)
Senators Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) and David Vitter (R-LA) introduced a bill that would allow any generic drug company, that wins a patent challenge in district court or where the brand name drug company does not sue, to share the 6 month market exclusivity. 		Nov 30, 2011
  Comments to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on the Final Rule Establishing Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) (Comments and Letters)
The National Business Group on Health sent comments to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on the final rule implementing Section 3022 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) establishing the Medicare Shared Savings Program and Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs). 		Nov 29, 2011
  Helping Employees who have Children with Special Health Care Needs: Tips for Employers (Health Tips)
This tip sheet provides employers with practical ways they can help support employees who serve as caregivers to children with special health care needs. 		Nov 29, 2011
How Sprint boosted employee wellness through social media (Webinar Presentation)
This webinar highlights Sprint's experience with using social media to engage employees in physical activity and overall healthy lifestyles. 		Nov 29, 2011
Controlling Health Care Spending in the United States (Slide Deck)
Looks at the drivers of health care spend and provides solutions that will help control costs and improve quality and effectiveness of care. This material is prepared to be adapted or customized for the unique culture and challenges of your company. 		Nov 23, 2011
Health Care Legislation- The Impact on Employers: C-Suite Series (Slide Deck)
This short slide presentation provides the latest data on the impact of health care legislation on employers. 		Nov 23, 2011
Projections of Employer Health Care Costs in 2012 (Analysis Paper)
Provides a summary of the latest findings from research and consulting firms on what employers can expect in terms of health care cost increases in 2012. 		Nov 23, 2011
Summary of Cost Analyses of Employment-Based Health Care (Report)
Provides a succinct summary of the analyses conducted by benefits consulting firms. 		Nov 23, 2011
  Comments to the Director of the HHS Center for Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight Recommending HHS Require Transparency of Provider-Specific Price and Quality Information from Exchange Plans (Comments and Letters)
The National Business Group on Health sent a letter to the Department of Health and Human Services to ensure the capability of the exchanges and exchange boards to meet the growing consumer demand for provider and facility-specific price and quality information. 		Nov 21, 2011
Short-Term Disability (STD) Claim Recurrence (Quick Survey Results)
The following survey asked employers how they administer their programs when a second short-term disability (STD) claim occurs for the same employee. Specifically, when do employers consider a claim a continuance of a prior claim versus a separate application for short-term disability leave? 		Nov 21, 2011
Health Care Law Implementation Forum (Webinar Presentation)
Debbie Harrison, the National Business Group on Health's Senior Regulatory Analyst, and James Karr, Public Policy Fellow, led an informal discussion and look at the latest developments on implementing the health care law and any likely changes in the law. 		Nov 18, 2011
"Super" Committee Must Vote on Specific Spending Cuts and Taxes by Next Wednesday to Avoid Automatic Across-the-Board Cuts (Washington Business Health Update)
By next Wednesday, the congressional "super" committee must vote on up to $1.5 trillion in federal savings to avoid triggering across-the-board cuts in military spending, education, transportation and Medicare payments (capped at 2%), that would take effect beginning in 2013. 		Nov 15, 2011
Consumer Insights on Health Advisor Services (Webinar Presentation)
This webinar presents the results from the joint NBGH-Optum Health Consumer Survey on Health Advisors. The survey focused on understanding consumers view of health advisor services and what they value in the service. 		Nov 15, 2011
Supreme Court Officially Takes Up the Health Care Law (Washington Business Health Update)
The Supreme Court announced it will take up the petitions by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), and Florida and 25 other states to determine the constitutionality of the health care law. 		Nov 15, 2011
Evaluating the Value of Wellness Globally: Intel Corporation's Story and the 2012 Global Distinction Awards Process (Webinar Presentation)
This webinar offers guidance on completing the Global Distinction application section by section, including how to ensure your company is credited with the appropriate points. 		Nov 14, 2011
Health for Life: Workplace Health Promotion (Webinar Presentation)
Patti Clavier, Senior Project Manager Health and Well-being (HWB) Operations at Intel Corporation, presented her company's approach to global wellness. 		Nov 14, 2011
Reproductive Assistance Benefits: Domestic Partner Eligibility (Slide Deck)
The purpose of this survey was to see how prevalent these types of benefits are among our large employers, and to determine if employees in domestic partnerships are eligible for the benefits. Additionally, employers were asked how surrogacy interacts with their adoption benefits. 		Nov 14, 2011
Reproductive Assistance Benefits: Domestic Partner Eligibility (Quick Survey Results)
The purpose of this survey was to see how prevalent these types of benefits are among our large employers, and to determine if employees in domestic partnerships are eligible for the benefits. Additionally, employers were asked how surrogacy interacts with their adoption benefits. 		Nov 14, 2011
Achieving a Healthy Workforce Worldwide - Part One: Business Drivers for Wellness Globally (Report)
This report presents a business case for developing corporate-sponsored employee wellness programs globally. 		Nov 10, 2011
Achieving a Healthy Workforce Worldwide - Part Two: Guiding Process for Corporate Global Wellness Initiatives (Report)
The Business Group developed this document to help large global employers develop a corporate, worldwide strategy for wellness and health promotion. 		Nov 10, 2011
External Review Checklist: Contract and Administration Issues Related to Independent Review Organizations (IROs) (Check List)
This document provides a checklist of issues for plans to consider when contracting and working with IROs. 		Nov 10, 2011
Summary Plan Description (SPD) Checklist: Internal Claims and Appeals and External Review (Check List)
This document provides a checklist of provisions to include and issues to consider when amending SPDs to include internal claims and appeals and external review requirements under the Affordable Care Act. 		Nov 10, 2011
Best Employers for Healthy Lifestyles 2012: Experience from a Multi-Year Platinum Winner & Judge (Webinar Presentation)
This webinar offers guidance on completing the application section by section, including how to ensure your company is credited with the appropriate points. 		Nov 09, 2011
Key Strategic Results (Webinar Presentation)
This webinar presents the results of the National Business Group on Health and Towers Watson Staying@Work survey which focuses on productivity, absence management and related programs. This biennial survey examines essential programs that can help organizations connect health improvement with worker effectiveness and, ultimately, improve financial performance. 		Nov 08, 2011
Wellness Programs in China (Quick Survey Results)
This survey asked our large employer members about their wellness programs in China. Specifically, we asked about what programs, benefits and services employers offer their employee population in China. 		Nov 07, 2011
Health Care Law Implementation Forum (Webinar Presentation)
Steve Wojcik, the National Business Group on Health's Vice President of Public Policy, led an informal discussion and look at the latest developments on implementing the health care law and any likely changes in the law. 		Nov 04, 2011
Consumer Health Mindset Survey Webinar Presentation (Webinar Presentation)
This webinar presents the results from the annual Consumer Health Mindset Survey, which explore perspectives, attitudes, and behaviors that employees and dependents hold toward the current and changing health care landscape. 		Nov 02, 2011
Health Assessment Profile: Health Fitness Corporation (Background Information)
A short profile of the INSIGHT Health Risk Assessment(R). Reviews tactics for addressing productivity, readiness to change, behavioral health and health literacy; in addition, a brief overview of advanced capabilities is provided. 		Nov 01, 2011
  An Employer's Guide to Reducing Racial & Ethnic Health Disparities in the Workplace (Employer Guide)
This employer guide emphasizes the business case for reducing health disparities in the workplace and provides provides practical steps an employer can take to close the health disparities gap. 		Oct 31, 2011
  Comments to IRS on Premium Tax Credit under Affordable Care Act (Comments and Letters)
The National Business Group on Health, in response to IRS proposed regulations on the premium tax credit under the Affordable Care Act, submitted comments encouraging flexibility and predictability for plan sponsors in implementing the premium tax credit. 		Oct 31, 2011
  Reducing Racial & Ethnic Health Disparities in the Workplace Checklist (Employer Guide)
This employer benchmark checklist as part of An Employer's Guide to Reducing Racial & Ethnic Health Disparities in the Workplace, provides practical steps an employer can take to close the health disparities gap at the workplace based on three action levels. 		Oct 31, 2011
Accountable Care Organization (ACO) Rule Scales Back Antitrust Protections (Washington Business Health Update)
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a final rule establishing the ACO program that scaled back its antitrust provisions 		Oct 28, 2011
Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Urges Super Committee to Eliminate Deals that Delay Market Entry of Generic Drugs (Washington Business Health Update)
FTC Chair Jon Leibowitz recommended that the congressional "super" committee include a ban on agreements between brand name and generic drug companies that delay the market entry of generic drugs in its proposals to reduce federal spending. 		Oct 28, 2011
HHS Holds Listening Session on Essential Health Benefits for the Exchange Plans (Washington Business Health Update)
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) listened to comments from employers and insurers on the "essential health benefits" package for the health plans offered in the exchanges. 		Oct 28, 2011
House Republicans Introduce Bills to Speed Up the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Medical Device Approval Process (Washington Business Health Update)
House Republicans introduced 10 bills to ease the FDA's current medical device approval process. 		Oct 28, 2011
Incorporating Program Sustainability into a Global Wellness Strategy: The American Express Story in India and the United Kingdom (Case Study)
This case study highlights a conversation with American Express' Vishpala Reddy and Breckon Jones about corporate wellness initiatives in India and the United Kingdom. The focus of the conversation was on how American Express builds local programs with an eye to long-term sustainability. 		Oct 28, 2011
Supreme Court Will Decide In November Whether to Review the Health Care Law (Washington Business Health Update)
On November 10, the Supreme Court justices will meet to consider whether to take up any of the court cases challenging the health care law. 		Oct 28, 2011
  Comments to the Department of Health and Human Service (HHS) on the Eligibility Determinations for Exchange Participation (Comments and Letters)
The National Business Group on Health submitted comments on the proposed rule regarding the process for eligibility determinations for exchange participation and employer participation in the SHOP (small employer) exchanges. 		Oct 27, 2011
  Statement of Michael Baxter, Senior Public Policy Analyst, National Business Group on Health, to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on Determining Essential Health Benefits (Testimony)
The National Business Group on Health provided the large employers' perspective at an open comment session for employers and health plans to provide assistance to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in determining the "essential health benefits" package for the exchange plans required by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. 		Oct 26, 2011
  Comments to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on Modernizing Current Rules to Establish a Continuous Learning System (Comments and Letters)
The National Business Group on Health submitted a letter to the Department of Health and Human Services to exempt from human subject review studies that only involve the collection of information on routine operations (including clinical effectiveness assessments and quality improvement activities) and carry no more than minimal risk to patients to establish a continuous learning health care system and avoid harming patients by delaying the introduction of quality improvements that work into clinical care. 		Oct 25, 2011
Consumer-Directed Health Care (Conference Call Highlights)
This month's topic is: Open Enrollment: Tell Me Something New 		Oct 25, 2011
Dependent Eligibility Verification (Quick Survey Results)
The purpose of this survey was to determine if and how employers are verifying the eligibility of dependents for medical plan coverage, and whether that verification process also extends to non-medical benefits offered to dependents. 		Oct 24, 2011
Dependent Eligibility Verification (Slide Deck)
The purpose of this survey was to determine if and how employers are verifying the eligibility of dependents for medical plan coverage, and whether that verification process also extends to non-medical benefits offered to dependents. 		Oct 24, 2011
Benefits Communication Benchmarking (Conference Call Highlights)
This month's topic: New Tactics for Open Enrollment 2012 		Oct 21, 2011
  Comments to IRS, HHS, and DOL on Summary of Benefits and Coverage and Uniform Glossary Required by Affordable Care Act (Comments and Letters)
The National Business Group on Health, in response to proposed regulations regarding the Affordable Care Act's requirements for disclosure of the summary of benefits and coverage and uniform glossary, submitted comments encouraging flexibility for plan sponsors in implementing these requirements. 		Oct 21, 2011
Health Care Law Implementation Forum (Webinar Presentation)
Steve Wojcik, the National Business Group on Health's Vice President of Public Policy, led an informal discussion and look at the latest developments on implementing the health care law and any likely changes in the law. 		Oct 21, 2011
EEOC Regional Office Raises GINA Concerns for Employers Providing Spouse Incentives to Complete Health Assessments (Policy Alert)
At least one EEOC regional office has interpreted the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) as prohibiting an employer from providing an incentive for a spouse to complete a health assessment, but the Business Group disagrees with this interpretation. 		Oct 18, 2011
  National Business Group on Health's Position Statement on Flu Vaccination of Hospital Personnel (Position Statement)
The National Business Group on Health believes hospitals should require annual flu vaccination of all employees as a condition of employment unless employees can demonstrate medical contraindications (with physician documentation) or religious objections. 		Oct 18, 2011
HHS Secretary Suspends Implementation of the CLASS Act (Washington Business Health Update)
In a letter to House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH), Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius stated HHS will stop implementing the CLASS Act program because of the high premiums necessary to cover the costs of benefits, where not enough, young healthy people would sign up. 		Oct 14, 2011
House Democrats Propose Reforms in Prescription Drug Medicare Payments and Market Rules to the "Super" Committee (Washington Business Health Update)
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) submitted recommendations to the congressional "super" committee that do not call for any significant changes in our nations entitlement programs (Social Security, Medicare, Medicare). 		Oct 14, 2011
Institute of Medicine's Essential Health Benefits Urges Focus on "Affordability" (Washington Business Health Update)
The Institute of Medicine (IOM) urged the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to consider both "cost" and "affordability" in defining the "essential health benefits" package for the health plans offered in the exchanges. 		Oct 14, 2011
Practicalities in Global Wellness and Health Communication: An Interview with Intel Corporation's Patti Clavier (Case Study)
Presents a conversation with Patti Clavier about how Intel Corporation leverages its health communication strategy to organize and promote wellness initiatives around the world. 		Oct 10, 2011
Health Care Law Implementation Forum (Webinar Presentation)
Steve Wojcik, the National Business Group on Health's Vice President of Public Policy, led an informal discussion and look at the latest developments on implementing the health care law and any likely changes in the law. 		Oct 07, 2011
Chart of regulatory considerations for health risk assessments (Chart)
Regulatory Requirements for Health Risk Assessments under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA). 		Oct 06, 2011
Advancing Adherence and the Science of Pharmacy Care (Webinar Presentation)
Dr. Troyen Brennan, Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer. CVS Caremark and Sue Palomba, Manager of Total Rewards Strategy and Design, Timken Company, discuss how to improve adherence in an employee population and optimize the value of your pharmacy spend. 		Oct 05, 2011
Biometric Testing: Legal and Policy Considerations for Outcomes-Based (Webinar Presentation)
As part of a two-part series on biometric testing, this webinar presentation provides employers an up-to-date analysis of the legal and policy issues employers must consider before implementing outcome-based incentives. 		Oct 04, 2011
CMS Issues Additional Medicare Secondary Payer Guidance on Health Reimbursement Arrangements (Policy Alert)
Recently, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services issued guidance that eases the Medicare Secondary Payer reporting burden for many health reimbursement arrangements. 		Oct 04, 2011
Engaging the Workforce of Today and Tomorrow with Outcome-Based Incentives (Webinar Presentation)
As more employers move toward outcome-based incentives, questions remain about how to design such incentives. This webinar presentation highlights how Aetna has structured their incentives to incorporate biometric outcomes and the results they are achieving. 		Oct 04, 2011
  Communicating with Employees about Preventive Services: Tips and Techniques (Top Solutions)
Outlines the current rates of select preventive services and recommends ways employers can enhance communications about preventive services in order to improve employee uptake. 		Oct 01, 2011
  Comments to IRS, HHS, and DoL on Coverage of Women's Preventive Services Required by Affordable Care Act (Comments and Letters)
The National Business Group on Health, in response to interim final regulations implementing HRSA guidelines for coverage of women's preventive services, submitted comments encouraging flexibility for plan sponsors in establishing cost-sharing structures for coverage of contraceptive methods and sterilization procedures. 		Sep 30, 2011
Health Care Law Headed for Supreme Court Review (Washington Business Health Update)
The Department of Justice filed a petition on the same day as the lawsuit's key plaintiff - Florida and 25 states and the National Federation of Independent Busines - to formally ask the Supreme Court to consider the constitutionality of the health care law. 		Sep 29, 2011
President Recommends Additional Reforms and Spending Cuts to the "Super" Committee to Pay for His Jobs Plan (Washington Business Health Update)
The President sent his list of recommended reforms, tax increases (targeting individuals making $200,000 or more annually), and spending cuts to the congressional "super" committee to help pay for his $450 billion "jobs" proposal. 		Sep 29, 2011
Republicans Question CLASS Act's Stability (Washington Business Health Update)
Congressional Republicans sent a letter to Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius questioning the stability of the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) Act program. 		Sep 29, 2011
Senate Passes Trade Bill Reviving Health Care Tax Credit for Employees Who Lose Their Jobs To Foreign Competition (Washington Business Health Update)
The Senate passed a bill that would give employees who lose their jobs due to foreign competition and older retirees (at least 55 and older) in failed pension plans a tax credit that would pay 72.5% of their health insurance premiums, including COBRA coverage, until December 31, 2013. 		Sep 29, 2011
  Diabetes Prevention and Control Alliance (Webinar Presentation)
Lisa Chapman-Smith, Senior Vice President, Diabetes Prevention and Control Alliance (DPCA), UnitedHealth Group discusses the Diabetes Prevention and Control Alliance Diabetes Prevention Program for UnitedHealth Group members with prediabetes. In this presentation, Ms. Chapman-Smith outlines program engagement strategies, ROI and health outcomes. 		Sep 28, 2011
  Rolling Out the National Diabetes Prevention Program (Webinar Presentation)
Ann Albright, Ph.D., Director, Division of Diabetes Translation, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, discusses the national impact of diabetes and prediabetes. In this presentation, she outlines the goals of the National Diabetes Prevention Program. 		Sep 28, 2011
  Webinar Summary: Partnering to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes: Collaborating Across Sectors (Conference Call Highlights)
Outlines diabetes incidence, prevalence and costs. It also highlights the National Diabetes Prevention Program (NDPP), an ongoing collaboration between UnitedHealth Group, YMCA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to reduce diabetes in adults. 		Sep 28, 2011
  What Employers Need to Know About Electronic Cigarettes (Fact Sheet)
Provides a definition of e-cigarettes, scientific evidence about the harms of e-cigarettes and why employers should consider banning them from the workplace 		Sep 28, 2011
  YMCA'S Diabetes Prevention Program (Webinar Presentation)
Heather Hodge, M.Ed., Project Manager, Diabetes Prevention, YMCA of the USA, discusses the YMCAs role with the National Diabetes Prevention Program. The program delivers evidence-based and cost-effective lifestyle interventions to adults at high risk for type 2 diabetes, and emphasizes improving dietary choices, coping skills, increasing physical activity and providing group support and moderate weight loss. 		Sep 28, 2011
Consumer-Directed Health Care (Conference Call Highlights)
This month's topic is: The Good and the Bad: Weighing the Pros and Cons of HSAs and HRAs 		Sep 27, 2011
  Comments to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on the Establishment of Exchanges and Qualified Health Plans (Comments and Letters)
The National Business Group on Health submitted a comment letter with our recommendations to the Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) initial proposed rule on the establishment of exchanges and Qualified Health Plans. 		Sep 26, 2011
Health Care Law Implementation Forum (Webinar Presentation)
Debbie Harrison, the National Business Group on Health's Senior Regulatory Analyst, led an informal discussion of the latest developments in implementing the health care reform law and likely changes in the law. 		Sep 23, 2011
Reining in Disability Costs: Tips for Employers (Top Solutions)
Employer strategies for improving their disability management and return-to-work programs. 		Sep 23, 2011
Biometric Testing in Wellness Programs -- What, Why and How (Webinar Presentation)
Prudential Financial and Quest Diagnostics Incorporated share their perspectives on this growing component of employer-sponsored health improvement. The webinar presentation covers the costs and benefits of biometric testing; review key decisions/options employers encounter at program start-up; project trends in employer use of biometric data; and preview coming innovations. 		Sep 22, 2011
Employers' Reactions to Possible Express Scripts, Inc. and Walgreens Separation (Slide Deck)
Determines what impact employers were anticipating if Walgreens is no longer a part of the ESI pharmacy network. Additionally, employers who currently contract with ESI were asked if they planned on making any changes due to the possible separation. 		Sep 21, 2011
Employers' Reactions to Possible Express Scripts, Inc. and Walgreens Separation (Quick Survey Results)
Determines what impact employers were anticipating if Walgreens is no longer a part of the ESI pharmacy network. Additionally, employers who currently contract with ESI were asked if they planned on making any changes due to the possible separation. 		Sep 21, 2011
  National Business Group on Health's Position Statement on Health Accounts (Position Statement)
The National Business Group on Health supports regulatory and legislative efforts to promote consumer-directed health care and health accounts. 		Sep 19, 2011
  House Ways and Means Democrats and the Health Care Industry Propose "Super" Committee Federal Spending Cuts and Reforms (Washington Business Health Update)
House Ways and Means Committee Democrats leaked a list of potential spending cuts and reforms to federal programs for consideration by the bipartisan congressional "super" committee. 		Sep 16, 2011
  Senate Committee Considers Increasing FDAs Powers, Additional Fees to Improve Prescription Drug Safety (Washington Business Health Update)
The Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, led by Senators Tom Harkin (D-IA) and Michael Enzi (R-WY), held a hearing on prescription drug safety and securing the U.S. pharmaceutical supply chain. 		Sep 16, 2011
Benefits Communication Benchmarking (Conference Call Highlights)
This month's topic is: Simplifying Health Benefits and Wellness Terminology 		Sep 09, 2011
Health Care Law Implementation Forum (Webinar Presentation)
Steve Wojcik, the National Business Group on Health's Vice President of Public Policy, and Debbie Harrison, Senior Regulatory Analyst, led an informal discussion and look at the latest developments on implementing the health care law and any likely changes in the law. 		Sep 09, 2011
  Letter to Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius to Allow Stand Alone Vision Plans in the Health Insurance Exchanges (Comments and Letters)
The National Business Group on Health sent a letter to Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius to include vision benefits provided by ancillary, or stand-alone plans as a buy-in option in the health insurance exchanges and to allow stand alone vision plans to satisfy the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act's (Affordable Care Act) requirement for pediatric vision services under the essential health benefits package in the final exchange rules. 		Sep 09, 2011
  Recommendations for Preventive Pediatric and Adolescent Health Care (Chart)
This chart combines the Bright Futures/American Academy of Pediatrics Recommendations for Preventive Pediatric Health Care with the National Business Group on Health Life Course Chart: Children & Adolescents. All services for children and adolescents covered under the Affordable Care Act are also included. 		Sep 08, 2011
The U.S. 4th Circuit Court of Appeals Dismisses Two Virginia Lawsuits Challenging Affordable Care Act (Policy Alert)
Recently, the U.S. 4th Circuit Court of Appeals issued two opinions dismissing, on procedural grounds, lawsuits brought by the Commonwealth of Virginia and Liberty University challenging the constitutionality of the ACA. 		Sep 08, 2011
  Comments to the Internal Revenue Service Commissioner on Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Trust Fund Fees (Comments and Letters)
The National Business Group on Health, in response to the Internal Revenue Services request for comments on Patient Centered-Outcomes Research Trust Fund fees, submitted comments encouraging flexibility for plan sponsors in reporting and paying the fees. 		Sep 06, 2011
  Emergency Preparedness and Response (Slide Deck)
This survey measured the degree to which employers are prepared to respond to large-scale emergencies and how these emergency plans are communicated and practiced. 		Sep 06, 2011
  Emergency Preparedness and Response (Quick Survey Results)
This survey measured the degree to which employers are prepared to respond to large-scale emergencies and how these emergency plans are communicated and practiced. 		Sep 06, 2011
  Company Challenges Vermont's Attempt to Obtain Self-Insured Health Plan Data (Washington Business Health Update)
An employer-sponsored health plan filed for an injunction in Vermont's U.S. District Court to stop the agency from forcing the employer's third-party administrator (TPA) to submit health plan claims and eligibility data to the state on the grounds that it would regulate self-insured plans and violate the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). 		Sep 02, 2011
  Congressional "Super" Committee Will Attempt to Cut $1.5 Trillion to Avoid Across-the-Board Federal Spending Cuts (Washington Business Health Update)
Representative Jeb Hensarling (R-TX) and Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) co-chair a 12-member, bipartisan congressional "super" committee tasked with finding up to $1.5 trillion in federal savings by November 23. 		Sep 02, 2011
  House Committees to Consider Repealing Rules in Loss of Grandfathered Plan Status (Washington Business Health Update)
House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA) stated that the House Education and Labor; Energy and Commerce; and Ways and Means Committees will draft legislation to repeal the health care law's rules on the loss of grandfathered plan status. 		Sep 02, 2011
  Michigan's 1% Tax on Paid Health Claims May Violate ERISA (Washington Business Health Update)
Michigan lawmakers passed a bill that would require health insurers, Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), and third-party administrators (TPAs) for both insured and self-insured plans to pay a quarterly 1% tax on paid claims for health care services provided to Michigan residents in the state, for 2 years, beginning on January 1, 2012. 		Sep 02, 2011
Remote Employees: Engaging a Virtual Workforce in Wellness (Slide Deck)
The purpose of this survey was to identify how employers communicate and extend traditionally on-site wellness benefits to remote employees. The survey also looks at whether employers are using remote work as a method to transition employees out on disability or workers compensation back into the workforce. 		Sep 02, 2011
Remote Employees: Engaging a Virtual Workforce in Wellness (Quick Survey Results)
The purpose of this survey was to identify how employers communicate and extend traditionally on-site wellness benefits to remote employees. The survey also looks at whether employers are using remote work as a method to transition employees out on disability or workers compensation back into the workforce. 		Sep 02, 2011
Adoption Benefits (Quick Survey Results)
Determines how many employers currently offer financial assistance for adoption and at what amount. Additionally, the survey looked at the number of employers offering either paid or unpaid leaves of absence for parents adopting a child. 		Sep 01, 2011
Adoption Benefits (Slide Deck)
Determines how many employers currently offer financial assistance for adoption and at what amount. Additionally, the survey looked at the number of employers offering either paid or unpaid leaves of absence for parents adopting a child. 		Sep 01, 2011
On-Site Health Centers: Policies to Preserve and Promote an Effective Employer Solution (Report)
This policy paper discusses what on-site health centers (OHCs) are, what employers need to know to comply with the federal regulatory requirements in light of the Affordable Care Act and the Business Group's recommended policies to support and encourage OHCs and related programs. 		Sep 01, 2011
Consumer-Directed Health Care (Conference Call Highlights)
This month's topic is: Carrots or Sticks? Ways to Get Employees and Their Families to Engage in Health. 		Aug 30, 2011
Health Care Law Implementation Forum (Webinar Presentation)
Steve Wojcik, the National Business Group on Health's Vice President of Public Policy, and Debbie Harrison, Senior Regulatory Analyst, led an informal discussion and look at the latest developments on implementing the health care law and any likely changes in the law. 		Aug 26, 2011
2012 Large Employers' Plan Design Changes (Webinar Presentation)
The Large Employers' 2012 Health Plan Design Changes survey asks members to provide information on their 2012 plan offerings, including:changes due to the Affordable Care Act, medical plan costs, consumer-directed health care, healthy lifestyles and incentives, pharmacy benefits and retiree medical coverage.The survey was fielded between June 1 and June 30, 2011, and reflects the plan design changes that employers are planning to make for 2012. 		Aug 24, 2011
August 19th Exchange Meeting Summary and Recommendations (FAQs)
The National Business Group on Health hosted a meeting on the Health Insurance Exchanges: Operational Issues for Employers. 		Aug 19, 2011
CMS Issues Additional Guidance for Plan Sponsors on the Early Retiree Reinsurance Program (Policy Alert)
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued guidance for plan sponsors regarding the Early Retiree Reinsurance Program's reimbursement rules. 		Aug 18, 2011
Federal Government Issues Guidance on Summary of Benefits and Coverage Required of All Plans by Affordable Care Act (Policy Alert)
Today, the Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Labor, and the Internal Revenue Service released proposed regulations that provide guidance on the Affordable Care Act's requirement that group health plans and insurers provide summaries of benefits and coverage ("mini-SPDs") to plan participants and beneficiaries. 		Aug 17, 2011
HHS and Treasury Issue Proposed Regulations on Premium Tax Credit, Exchanges, and Medicaid Eligibility under the Affordable Care Act (Policy Alert)
Recently, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and the Internal revenue Service released proposed regulations that provide guidance on the Affordable Care Act's premium tax credit, exchange eligibility rules, and Medicaid eligibility rules. 		Aug 16, 2011
Long-Term Disability (LTD) and Long-Term Leave Policies (Slide Deck)
The purpose of this survey is to determine how many employers allow employees to take non-FMLA long-term leave. In addition, the survey examines the details of employers non-FMLA leave policies. 		Aug 16, 2011
Long-Term Disability (LTD) and Long-Term Leave Policies (Quick Survey Results)
The purpose of this survey is to determine how many employers allow employees to take non-FMLA long-term leave. In addition, the survey examines the details of employers non-FMLA leave policies. 		Aug 16, 2011
2012 Large Employers' Plan Design Changes (Slide Deck)
The Large Employers' 2012 Health Plan Design Changes survey asks members to provide information on their 2012 plan offerings, including: Changes due to the Affordable Care Act, medical plan costs,consumer-directed health care, healthy lifestyles and incentives, pharmacy benefits and retiree medical coverage. The survey was fielded between June 1 and June 30, 2011, and reflects the plan design changes that employers are planning to make for 2012. 		Aug 12, 2011
2012 Large Employers' Plan Design Changes (Survey Report)
The Large Employers' 2012 Health Plan Design Changes survey asks members to provide information on their 2012 plan offerings, including: Changes due to the Affordable Care Act, medical plan costs,consumer-directed health care, healthy lifestyles and incentives, pharmacy benefits and retiree medical coverage. The survey was fielded between June 1 and June 30, 2011, and reflects the plan design changes that employers are planning to make for 2012. 		Aug 12, 2011
Health Care Law Implementation Forum (Webinar Presentation)
Steve Wojcik, the National Business Group on Health's Vice President of Public Policy, and Debbie Harrison, Senior Regulatory Analyst, led an informal discussion and look at the latest developments on implementing the health care law and any likely changes in the law. 		Aug 12, 2011
U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals Finds the Affordable Care Act's Individual Mandate Unconstitutional (Policy Alert)
Recently, the U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the Affordable Care Act's individual mandate is unconstitutional, but did not strike down the rest of the law. 		Aug 12, 2011
Organization of Health and Welfare Teams (Slide Deck)
The purpose of this survey is to determine how employers have organized their health and welfare teams, addressing questions on the size of the team and the individual roles and responsibilities of team members. The survey looks at the organization of both U.S. and non-U.S. health and welfare teams. 		Aug 10, 2011
Organization of Health and Welfare Teams (Quick Survey Results)
The purpose of this survey is to determine how employers have organized their health and welfare teams, addressing questions on the size of the team and the individual roles and responsibilities of team members. The survey looks at the organization of both U.S. and non-U.S. health and welfare teams. 		Aug 10, 2011
New Regulations Requiring Coverage of Women's Preventive Services under PPACA (Policy Alert)
Recently, the Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA) released guidelines that require that non-grandfathered group health plans and insurers cover women's preventive services without cost-sharing under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. 		Aug 02, 2011
  Comments to the Department of Health and Human Services regarding Proposed Regulations on Required Accounting of Disclosures of Protected Health Information under HIPAA and the HITECH Act (Comments and Letters)
The National Business Group on Health, in response to a notice of proposed rulemaking under HIPAA and the HITECH Act, submitted comments recommending limits on the scope of required disclosures by group health plans. 		Aug 01, 2011
  Engaging Families in Healthy Weight Behaviors (Webinar Presentation)
Joyce Young, MD, MPH, Preventive Medicine Specialist and IBM Well-being Director highlights how employers can incorporate education focusing on childhood obesity into their health and wellness programs, and provides an overview of IBM's Child Health Rebate program. 		Aug 01, 2011
  Families Step Up: A whole family approach to living healthier (Webinar Presentation)
Leah Holzwarth presents the development and evaluation of Baptist Health South Florida's "Families Step Up" program targeting family health and child obesity. 		Aug 01, 2011
  Letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) to Ease the Restrictions in the Proposed Rule on the Availability of Medicare Claims Data for Performance Measurement (Comments and Letters)
The National Business Group on Health sent a letter to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) Administrator Donald Berwick to ease a number of the restrictions in the proposed rule to enable consumers and private payers, including employer-sponsored plans, to use Medicare claims data to foster better delivery of care. 		Aug 01, 2011
Benefits Communications Benchmarking (Conference Call Highlights)
This month's conference call topic: Communicating About Health Reform 		Jul 29, 2011
Aon Hewitt 2011 Health Care Survey Results: New Paths, New Approaches (Webinar Presentation)
Webinar presentation explaining Aon Hewitt's 2011 employer survey, completed by more than 1,000 US employers, providing insights into how America's leading employers are wrestling with rising cost, declining population health, and a regulatory future that is both cloudy and complex. 		Jul 27, 2011
  Federal Child Obesity Initiatives: New Employer Requirements and Opportunities - Presentation 1 (Webinar Presentation)
Tom Beauregard, Executive Vice President, Center for Health Reform & Modernization 		Jul 26, 2011
  Federal Child Obesity Initiatives: New Employer Requirements and Opportunities - Presentation 2 (Webinar Presentation)
Antronette (Toni) Yancey, MD, MPH, FACPM 		Jul 26, 2011
  An Employers Guide to Cancer Treatment and Prevention: Executive Summary (Background Information)
A summary of the 3-year initiative on cancer treatment and prevention. 		Jul 25, 2011
  An Employers Guide to Cancer Treatment and Prevention: Plan Design and Assessment Tool (Employer Guide)
This resource is designed to help employers assess and design their medical (including behavioral health), pharmacy, and clinical support and condition management benefits. 		Jul 25, 2011
Caesarean Section: Reversing the Rising Trend (Benefit Manager Guide)
C-section has become the most common operation in American hospitals, and this increase continues without matching trends in medical indication. This outlines recommendations for employers in plan design, network management, and member education & support to reduce unnecessary Caesareans. 		Jul 25, 2011
  Comments to the Departments of Health and Human Services, Labor, and Treasury on the Amendment to Internal Claims and Appeals and External Review Regulations (Comments and Letters)
The National Business Group on Health, in response to the amendment to internal claims and appeals and external review regulations under the Affordable Care Act, submitted comments recommending limits on the scope of claims eligible for external review and on requirements for providing customer assistance and notices in non-English languages. 		Jul 25, 2011
First Aid Supplies at the Workplace (Slide Deck)
The purpose of this survey is to determine how employers are interpreting the federal regulations, particularly in terms of whether they require first aid supplies to be present at all work sites regardless of the proximity to an infirmary, clinic or hospital. 		Jul 25, 2011
First Aid Supplies at the Workplace (Quick Survey Results)
The purpose of this survey is to determine how employers are interpreting the federal regulations, particularly in terms of whether they require first aid supplies to be present at all work sites regardless of the proximity to an infirmary, clinic or hospital. 		Jul 25, 2011
Health Care Law Implementation Forum (Webinar Presentation)
Steve Wojcik, the National Business Group on Health's Vice President of Public Policy, led an informal discussion and look at the latest developments on implementing the health care law and any likely changes in the law. 		Jul 22, 2011
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Releases Initial Rules Giving States Flexibility to Establish Insurance Exchanges (Policy Alert)
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released initial rules which offer the states flexibility in establishing insurance exchanges that includes some important details for employers; however, other details await future guidance. 		Jul 21, 2011
Consumer-Directed Health Care (Conference Call Highlights)
This month's topic is: Sticky Mess: Dealing with Health Account Administration. 		Jul 19, 2011
  Comments to the Internal Revenue Service on Form W-2 Reporting of the Cost of Employer-Sponsored Health Coverage under the Affordable Care Act (Comments and Letters)
The National Business Group on Health, in response to the Internal Revenue Service's Interim Guidance on Informational Reporting to Employees of the Cost of Their Group Health Insurance Coverage, submitted comments recommending that plan sponsors be allowed flexibility and additional transition relief in complying with the Affordable Care Act's Form W-2 reporting requirement. 		Jul 18, 2011
  Democrats Join Republicans on a Bill to Repeal the Use of Health Accounts for Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications Without Prescriptions (Washington Business Health Update)
Senator Ben Nelson (D-NE) and Representative Shelley Berkley (D-NV) joined Senator Pat Roberts (R-KS) and Representative Lynn Jenkins (R-KS) to introduce a bill that would remove the health care law's current ban on using flexible spending accounts (FSAs), health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs), or health savings accounts (HSAs) to pay for OTC medications unless they have prescriptions. 		Jul 15, 2011
  Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Reaches Its Largest Settlement Over Certain Leave Policies for Absences Due to Employees' Disabilities (Washington Business Health Update)
The EEOC reached its largest disability settlement requiring an employer to provide an exception in its "no fault" attendance policy for absences due to employees' disabilities. 		Jul 15, 2011
  Federal Debt Deal May Include $300 Billion in Health Care Cuts (Washington Business Health Update)
The President and House and Senate leaders met almost daily to work on a potential deal to increase the current $14.3 trillion debt ceiling after major negotiations broke down between House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA) and Vice President Joe Biden over whether or not any potential agreement would raise taxes as well as cut government spending on entitlement programs like Medicare. 		Jul 15, 2011
  Senate Committee Passes Trade Bill Reviving Health Care Tax Credit for Employees Who Lose Their Jobs to Foreign Competition and Retirees Whose Pension Plans Fail (Washington Business Health Update)
The Senate Finance Committee passed a South Korea trade bill, authored by Senator Max Baucus (D-MT), that would give employees who lose their jobs due to foreign competition and older retirees (at least 55 and older) in failed pension plans a tax credit that would pay 72.5% of their health insurance premiums, including COBRA coverage, until December 31, 2013. 		Jul 15, 2011
Same-Sex Domestic Partner and Marriage Benefits (Slide Deck)
The purpose of this survey is to determine whether employers currently require same-sex marriage in states where it is legal, and if so what went into this decision. Additionally, the survey looks at questions relating to same-sex and opposite-sex domestic partners in general. 		Jul 13, 2011
Same-Sex Domestic Partner and Marriage Benefits (Quick Survey Results)
The purpose of this survey is to determine whether employers currently require same-sex marriage in states where it is legal, and if so what went into this decision. Additionally, the survey looks at questions relating to same-sex and opposite-sex domestic partners in general. 		Jul 13, 2011
Health Care Law Implementation Forum (Webinar Presentation)
Steve Wojcik, the National Business Group on Health's Vice President of Public Policy, led an informal discussion and look at the latest developments on implementing the health care law and any likely changes in the law. 		Jul 08, 2011
Wellness Programs in the United Kingdom (Quick Survey Results)
This survey explores common employer health promotion practices in the U.K. Specifically, what programs, benefits and services do employers offer their U.K. employee population and what sources of information do they use to track the impact and effect of these initiatives? 		Jul 07, 2011
Wellness Programs in the United Kingdom (Slide Deck)
This survey explores common employer health promotion practices in the U.K. Specifically, what programs, benefits and services do employers offer their U.K. employee population and what sources of information do they use to track the impact and effect of these initiatives? 		Jul 07, 2011
Connecticut Becomes First State to Mandate Paid Sick Leave to Service Employees (Policy Alert)
Recently, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy (D-CT) signed a law that will require most Connecticut employers with more than 50 employees, except those in manufacturing, to provide paid sick leave to service employees beginning January 1, 2012. 		Jul 05, 2011
Choose Your Own Adventure: Communicating the Value of Benefits to a New Generation (Webinar Presentation)
In this webinar, GameStop and Univers shared the solutions that were employed, as well as the ROI on the benefits spend and employee engagement that resulted from the cutting edge and immersive communications strategy. 		Jun 29, 2011
Better Together: Leveraging Corporate Engagement from a Health and Productivity Perspective (Webinar Presentation)
This webinar will provide the business case for strategic engagement and a case study from CVS Caremark showing how they connected wellness program participation to higher levels of employee engagement and used this analysis to support their corporate investment in workforce health. 		Jun 27, 2011
Federal Agencies Release Amended Rules and New Guidance for Internal Claims and Appeals and External Review Processes under PPACA (Policy Alert)
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Department of Labor (DoL) and Health and Human Services (HHS) issued an amendment to the interim final regulations and technical release for internal claims and appeals and external review processes. 		Jun 24, 2011
Health Care Law Implementation Forum (Webinar Presentation)
Steve Wojcik, the National Business Group on Health's Vice President of Public Policy, led an informal discussion and look at the latest developments on implementing the health care law and any likely changes in the law. 		Jun 24, 2011
On the Road Again: Getting Key Content to Your Delivery and Sales Force (Employer Summit Notes)
The group discussed ways/methods of reaching out to delivery/transportation and retail employees. 		Jun 23, 2011
A Foot in the Door: Signing Up as First Step (Employer Summit Notes)
Members focused on methods used to share health information and materials for new employees in particular. 		Jun 23, 2011
Adding Oomph and Pizzazz: Using Newsletters to Your Best Advantage (Employer Summit Notes)
Session participants discussed their company newsletters and shared details behind the production, distribution and general reader feedback. 		Jun 23, 2011
Bridging the Gap: Effectively Measuring and Assessing Your Communication Strategy (Employer Summit Notes)
Aon Hewitt gave a presentation on measuring and assessing a health communications strategy, focusing on time efficiency, effectiveness of messages, and creating a health communications framework built on strategic priorities and desired health outcomes. 		Jun 23, 2011
Can You Hear Me Now? Addressing Health Care Challenges in Your Call Center (Employer Summit Notes)
Members discussed challenges and success in communicating to call center populations. The overall theme of the session was "small changes:" taking standard forms of communication (e.g., newsletters) and adding a fun twist to pique employee's interest in programs and plans. 		Jun 23, 2011
Engaging the "Better Half:" Spouses and Partners (Employer Summit Notes)
Employers struggle with communicating to spouses and domestic partners. Sending mail is the most effective but also most costly method. Employers are trying to find ways to engage spouses and domestic partners electronically. They are also trying to find the right balance of mailings to the home given the cost implications and environmental impact. Companies want to engage spouses/domestic partners because they also drive claims (e.g., emergency room visits, maternity, uncontrolled chronic conditions, etc.). 		Jun 23, 2011
Getting Vendors in the Game: Coordinating Messages and Timing (Employer Summit Notes)
Employers are looking for solutions to coordinate communications among multiple vendors. There is a lot of interest in leveraging vendor communications so employers do not have to "reinvent the wheel." 		Jun 23, 2011
Giving Them What They Want: Obtaining Employee Feedback to Inform Health Communications (Employer Summit Notes)
The purpose of the session was to showcase various methods for determining how and when employees want to receive information about their health benefits. 		Jun 23, 2011
  House Democrats Push to Allow Medicare to Negotiate Prescription Drug Prices (Washington Business Health Update)
Representatives Maurice Hinchey (D-NY), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Sam Farr (D-CA) and Peter Welch (D-VT) sent a letter, signed by 67 House Democrats, requesting that Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) include a proposal allowing the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to negotiate Medicare prescription drug prices in legislation to raise the debt ceiling. 		Jun 23, 2011
Moving Beyond Paper and Ink: Creative Messaging Within Employees Reach (Employer Summit Notes)
The purpose was to discuss innovative communication media. The group discussed how to use visual effects and creative marketing as a way to relay health messages and keep wellness resources visible to employees when they need them the most. Participants discussed forms of creative messaging used to reach broader audiences and to enhance their visibility. 		Jun 23, 2011
Now What?: Creating Your Communication Action Plan (Employer Summit Notes)
All communications plans include a number of similar ingredients: objectives, barriers, messages, audiences (stakeholders), media, timing and responsibilities. Employers need to evaluate their communications plans to ensure that their employees get the message employers are attempting to communicate, support it, and do it. Planning is necessary to evaluate results. Communications should focus on what's really important to know, what's important to remember, and employers should keep their communications messages clear, simple and repeat them. 		Jun 23, 2011
Quick Clicks: Using Internet, Intranet and Email to Get the Word Out (Employer Summit Notes)
In this session, employers shared their strategies for using internet, intranet and email in health communications. Covered topics included how members use the internet, whether they have experimented with social media and their balance between print and electronic messaging. 		Jun 23, 2011
Rising Above the Cloud: Encouraging a Tobacco-Free Lifestyle (Employer Summit Notes)
Members discussed strategies, challenges, and potential solutions related to smoking cessation programs. 		Jun 23, 2011
  Senator Orrin Hatch's Bill Would Enhance Health Accounts (Washington Business Health Update)
Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and Representative Erik Paulsen (R-MN) introduced a bill that would encourage more employers to offer and more employees to use their health accounts to maintain health and prevent disease. 		Jun 23, 2011
When Free Isn't Enough: Preventive Services and Screenings (Employer Summit Notes)
In this session, employers discussed communication strategies aimed at increasing utilization of preventive services. Participants shared techniques they had implemented for different employee populations, including targeted mailing, incentive programs, health risk appraisals, newsletters, online, competitions and highlighting success stories. 		Jun 23, 2011
Working on the Line: Manufacturing and Distribution Centers (Employer Summit Notes)
The Home Depot presented communication strategies and tactics used for their biometric screening campaign. Each employer then shared their own methods to reach manufacturing employees. 		Jun 23, 2011
Your Biggest Secret Asset for Promoting Health Messages (Employer Summit Notes)
The two representatives from Pearson opened the session by talking about how Margaret from Communications works with Theresa from Benefits on health promotion efforts for the company. They outlined their health promotion activities which started in earnest three years ago. Messaging about the employer's role in wellness began in 2008. Today the communications emphasis is about what the employee can do for their health using the tools supplied by the employer. They shared multiple sample communications. 		Jun 23, 2011
Consumer-Directed Health Care (Conference Call Highlights)
This month's topic is: Full Replacement CDHPs 		Jun 21, 2011
  A Guide for Employers: Using Comparative Effectiveness Research - Adding ACEIs and/or ARBs to Standard Therapy for Stable Coronary Artery Disease (Employer Guide)
This guide provides actions suggested by the National Business Group on Health for employers who want to use comparative effectiveness research (CER) in their health plan and program design. It is based on research funded by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). 		Jun 20, 2011
  A Guide for Employers: Using Comparative Effectiveness Research - Core-Needle Biopsy for Breast Abnormalities (Employer Guide)
This guide provides actions suggested by the National Business Group on Health for employers who want to use comparative effectiveness research (CER) in their health plan and program design. It is based on research funded by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). 		Jun 20, 2011
  A Guide for Employers: Using Comparative Effectiveness Research - Renal Artery Stenosis Treatments (Employer Guide)
This guide provides actions suggested by the National Business Group on Health for employers who want to use comparative effectiveness research (CER) in their health plan and program design. It is based on research funded by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). 		Jun 20, 2011
  A Guide for Employers: Using Comparative Effectiveness Research - Rotator Cuff Tears in Adults (Employer Guide)
This guide provides actions suggested by the National Business Group on Health for employers who want to use comparative effectiveness research (CER) in their health plan and program design. It is based on research funded by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). 		Jun 20, 2011
  Letter to Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and Representative Erik Paulsen (R-MN) Supporting a Bill that would Encourage More Employers to Offer and More Employees to Use Health Accounts (Comments and Letters)
The National Business Group on Health sent a support letter to Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and Representative Erik Paulsen (R-MN) supporting their bill that would encourage more employers to offer and more employees to use their health accounts to maintain health and prevent disease. 		Jun 20, 2011
  Comments to the Internal Revenue Service on the Free Rider Assessment and 90-Day Waiting Period Limitation under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Comments and Letters)
The National Business Group on Health, in response to the Internal Revenue Service's Request for Comments on Shared Responsibility for Employers Regarding Health Coverage (Section 4980H), submitted comments recommending that plan sponsors be allowed flexibility to adapt compliance procedures for the PPACA's free rider assessment and 90-day waiting period limitation to existing work, benefit, and payroll arrangements. 		Jun 17, 2011
  A Guide for Employers: Using Comparative Effectiveness Research - Premixed Insulin for Type 2 Diabetes (Employer Guide)
This guide provides actions suggested by the National Business Group on Health for employers who want to use comparative effectiveness research (CER) in their health plan and program design. It is based on research funded by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). 		Jun 15, 2011
Empowering Retiree Benefit Choice & Consumerism (Webinar Presentation)
In this webinar, Bryce Williams, Founder, CEO and President at Extend Health, Inc. and Kim Eckroth, Director, Employee Benefits at Weyerhaeuser Company, explain how using a defined contribution model and leveraging a private Medicare exchange allows employers to continue providing retiree benefits in a way that is both manageable and sustainable. 		Jun 13, 2011
Health Care Law Implementation Forum (Webinar Presentation)
Steve Wojcik, the National Business Group on Health's Vice President of Public Policy, led an informal discussion and look at the latest developments on implementing the health care law and any likely changes in the law. 		Jun 10, 2011
State Single Payer Health Reform Initiatives (Chart)
A regularly updated chart containing state single payer health reform initiatives from California, Maine, Minnesota and Vermont. 		Jun 07, 2011
  A Guide for Employers: Using Comparative Effectiveness Research - Choosing to Have Labor Induced: Safety and Harm (Employer Guide)
Provides actions suggested by the National Business Group on Health for employers who want to use comparative effectiveness research (CER) in their health plan and program design. It is based on research funded by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). 		Jun 06, 2011
CMS to Release Medicare Claims Data (Policy Alert)
Recently, the government took the first step toward making Medicare claims data available to employers and consumers by issuing a proposed rule on the release and use of this information. 		Jun 06, 2011
  Comments to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on the Medicare Shared Savings Program and Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) (Comments and Letters)
The National Business Group on Health submitted recommendations to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on the proposed rule implementing Section 3022 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) establishing the Medicare Shared Savings Program and Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) to ensure ACOs truly deliver on the promise of better care and better health at lower costs. 		Jun 06, 2011
  Comments to the Department of Labor on Electronic Disclosure by Employee Benefit Plans (Comments and Letters)
The National Business Group on Health, in response to the Department of Labor's (DOL's) Request for Information regarding Electronic Disclosure by Employee Benefit Plans, submitted comments supporting greater flexibility in the current safe harbor for providing required plan disclosures electronically. 		Jun 06, 2011
Establishing Resiliency and Engagement: Mindful Methods for Creating an Energized, Engaged and Resilient Workforce (Webinar Presentation)
Webinar 2, Employee Engagement Webinar Series This webinar will discuss the research behind mindfulness and provide employer examples from General Mills, Inc. and GlaxoSmithKline about using this technique to create an energized and resilient organization. 		Jun 06, 2011
State Actions Opposing Federal Health Reform (Chart)
A regularly updated chart containing state legislation, constitutional amendments, and ballot measures opposing federal health reform from Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia and Wyoming. 		Jun 06, 2011
New Medicare Part D Creditable Coverage Notice Requirements and OTC Drug Plan Amendment Deadline (Policy Alert)
Because the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) changed the Medicare Part D election period to October 15 - December 7, plan sponsors now, beginning in 2011, must provide notices of creditable and non-creditable coverage to Medicare-eligible individuals before October 15th each year. Also, the deadline for adopting Cafeteria Plan Amendments to prohibit reimbursement of over-the-counter drugs is June 30, 2011. 		Jun 03, 2011
Projections of Employer Health Care Costs in 2011 (Analysis Paper)
Provides a summary of the latest findings from research and consulting firms on what employers can expect in terms of health care cost increases in 2011. 		Jun 02, 2011
  A Guide for Employers: Using Comparative Effectiveness Research - Treatments for Clinically Localized Prostate Cancer (Employer Guide)
This guide provides actions suggested by the National Business Group on Health for employers who want to use comparative effectiveness research (CER) in their health plan and program design. It is based on research funded by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). 		Jun 01, 2011
  A Guide for Employers: Using Comparative Effectiveness Research - Treatments for Knee Osteoarthritis (Employer Guide)
Provides actions suggested by the National Business Group on Health for employers who want to use comparative effectiveness research (CER) in their health plan and program design. It is based on research funded by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). 		Jun 01, 2011
  Fire and Burn Injuries (Fact Sheet)
Many fires and burns can be prevented, both at home and in the workplace. This fact sheet provides recommendations for employers on how to reduce fire and burn injuries among employees. 		Jun 01, 2011
The Time is Now: Moving to Full Replacement Consumer-Directed Health Plans (Top Solutions)
An increasing number of large employers are considering a full replacement consumer-directed health care strategy. This document outlines 8 key implementation recommendations for employers going this route. 		Jun 01, 2011
  Comments to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Department of Justice (DoJ) on Antitrust Enforcement Policy Regarding Accountable Care Organizations (Comments and Letters)
The National Business Group on Health sent comments to the FTC and DOJ recommending that Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) abide by the same antitrust rules that help guard against unwarranted higher prices and lower quality for Medicare and people with private coverage. The National Business Group on Health sent comments to the FTC and DOJ recommending that Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) abide by the same antitrust rules that help guard against unwarranted higher prices and lower quality for Medicare and people with private coverage. 		May 31, 2011
Health Care Law Implementation Forum (Webinar Presentation)
Steve Wojcik, the National Business Group on Health's Vice President of Public Policy, led an informal discussion and look at the latest developments on implementing the health care law and any likely changes in the law. 		May 27, 2011
  Republican Senators Ask HHS to Rewrite Accountable Care Organization Rules (Washington Business Health Update)
Senator Tom Coburn (OK), along with six Republicans, in a letter to Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Don Berwick, asked them to withdraw the proposed Accountable Care Organization (ACO) rule and write a new version that addresses concerns raised by providers -- mainly that the current proposal includes too much financial risk. 		May 27, 2011
  Senate Rejects House-Passed Republican Voucher Plan, Congress Continues Federal Debt Negotiations with the White House (Washington Business Health Update)
The Senate rejected Representative Paul Ryan's (R-WI) House-passed budget bill that would cut about $4 trillion in federal spending over 10 years and convert Medicare into a health insurance subsidy program ($8,000 for individuals; $11,000 for families) with a choice of plans for people who are currently 55 or younger, beginning in 2022. Vice President Joe Biden leads bipartisan talks between House and Senate members to reduce spending by $1-$4 trillion, potentially including "triggers" that would force automatic deficit reductions, and increase the current $14.3 trillion debt ceiling. 		May 27, 2011
  Senator Jon Kyl's (R-AZ) Bill Would Repeal Health Care Law's Employer Mandate (Washington Business Health Update)
Senator Jon Kyl (R-AZ) introduced a bill that would repeal a number of provisions in the health care law affecting employers; allow current high-deductible health plans (HDHP) offered with health savings accounts (HSAs) to qualify as exchange plans; and permit current grandfathered plans to maintain their status regardless of any future plan changes. 		May 27, 2011
  Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) and Representative Rosa Delauro (D-CT) Re-Introduce Paid Sick Leave Bill (Washington Business Health Update)
Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) and Representative Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) re-introduced a bill that would mandate that employers with more than 15 employees provide a minimum of 7 paid sick days. 		May 27, 2011
  AHRQ's Effective Health Care Program (Webinar Presentation)
This presentation discusses the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's (AHRQ) Effective Health Care Program. 		May 26, 2011
  Driving Care Decisions and Managing Costs with Comparative Effectiveness Research (Webinar Presentation)
This presentation outlines the National Business Group on Health's Employer Guides for Using Comparative Effectiveness Research. Some topics include treatment of knee osteoarthritis, breast biopsy choices, safety of labor induction and diabetes medications. 		May 26, 2011
  Evidence-Based Medical Decision Support Services (Webinar Presentation)
This presentation discusses Honeywell International's evidence-based medical decision support service for helping employees understand their condition and the relative risks and benefits of treatment options. 		May 26, 2011
Consumer-Directed Health Care (Conference Call Highlights)
This month's topic is: Health is Wealth: Communicating the Value of Health Plans 		May 23, 2011
The On-Site Health Center Quest (Webinar Presentation)
James Dickey, Senior Health Program Manager, Global Pay & Benefits, and Lukas Forney, Global Commodity Manager, Corporate Strategic Procurement, Intel Corporation, provide a presentation of Intel Corporation's on-site health clinics from pilot to full implementation and beyond. 		May 18, 2011
Reinventing Health Benefits: Engage Employees and Lower Health Care Costs by Thinking Like a Product Manager (Webinar Presentation)
This webinar features Andy Rosa and Tom Boldt discussing how Comcast partnered with Accolade to simplify health care complexity, engage employees and reduce the company's health care spending in measurable amounts -- while keeping employee satisfaction high. 		May 17, 2011
IRS Announces HDHP and HSA Amounts for 2012 (Policy Alert)
The IRS recently released the 2012 minimum deductible and maximum out-of-pocket limits for high deductible health plans (HDHPs) and the maximum contribution levels for health savings accounts (HSAs). 		May 16, 2011
Benefits Communications Benchmarking (Conference Call Highlights)
This month's topic is: Benefits Orientation and On-Boarding 		May 13, 2011
Health Care Law Implementation Forum (Webinar Presentation)
Steve Wojcik, the National Business Group on Health's Vice President of Public Policy, led an informal discussion and look at the latest developments on implementing the health care law and any likely changes in the law. 		May 13, 2011
Vermont Law Aims to Establish Single-Payer Health Coverage (Policy Alert)
The law is currently not funded and would require a federal waiver to apply to ERISA plans. 		May 13, 2011
  Appeals Court Asks Tough Questions to Challengers of Health Care Law's Constitutionality in Virginia Case (Washington Business Health Update)
A 3-judge panel in the Fourth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Virginia heard the first arguments at the appellate level on two separate Virginia-based lawsuits that question the constitutionality of the health care law's individual coverage mandate. 		May 11, 2011
  House Committee Continues to Seek Changes in Medicare Physician Reimbursements; Physician Groups Caution Against Quick Changes and Seek Increases to Match Medical Inflation (Washington Business Health Update)
The House Energy and Commerce Committee heard a proposal from five physician groups to replace Medicare's current reimbursement method with five years of stable payments from 2012-2016 that include annual bonuses that keep pace with medical practice costs while Medicare tests and transitions to new payment models. 		May 11, 2011
  House Republicans Continue Push to Repeal Parts of the Health Care Law (Washington Business Health Update)
The House of Representatives passed a bill that would block the federal government from continuing to issue grants to states to help them establish insurance exchanges. In addition, Representative Charles Boustany (R-LA) introduced a bill that would repeal the employer mandate (free rider assessment) or "shared responsibility" provision that requires employers to pay a penalty if coverage is not comprehensive or affordable. 		May 11, 2011
  Senators' Bill Would Make Medicare Providers' Payment Rates Public (Washington Business Health Update)
Senate Finance Committee members Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Charles Grassley (R-IA) introduced a bill that would make what Medicare pays to individual providers (hospitals and doctors) public beginning in 2013. 		May 11, 2011
  Letter to the Director of Insurance Exchanges at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Joel Ario with Follow-up Recommendations for the State Insurance Exchanges (Comments and Letters)
The National Business Group on Health sent a letter with follow-up recommendations for the state insurance exchanges from our recent meeting with the Director of Insurance Exchanges at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Joel Ario. 		May 09, 2011
  Letter to Senators Charles Grassley (R-IA) and Ron Wyden (D-OR) Supporting a Bill that Would Make Public What Medicare Pays to Individual Providers (Comments and Letters)
The National Business Group on Health sent a letter to Senators Charles Grassley (R-IA) and Ron Wyden (D-OR) supporting their bill that would make public what Medicare pays to individual providers (hospitals and doctors), beginning in 2013. 		May 05, 2011
  Pathways to Managing Cancer in the Workplace - A Meeting of Health Plans (Conference Call Highlights)
This virtual meeting brought together nine representatives from different health plans. These experts shared their insights and experiences in cancer management and addressed some of the most challenging questions in the field surrounding issues such as collaborative care, employee costs, behavioral health, and alternative medicine. 		May 05, 2011
  Injuries from Falls (Fact Sheet)
Falls occur in all industries, in all occupations, and in a myriad of work settings. However, many are preventable. This 2-page fact sheet provides tips for employers on how to reduce fall-related injuries among employees. 		May 02, 2011
  Overexertion Injuries (Fact Sheet)
Overexertion is the most common work-related disability injury. This brief fact sheet provides employer strategies on how to reduce overexertion injuries among employees. 		May 02, 2011
  Transportation-Related Injuries (Fact Sheet)
Motor vehicle crashes account for 99% of non-fatal transportation-related injuries as well as 94% of transportation-related deaths. This 2-page fact sheet provides tips for employers on how to reduce transportation-related injuries among employees. 		May 02, 2011
  Unintentional Poisoning Injuries (Fact Sheet)
Almost three-fourths of fatal poisonings in the United States are unintentional. This brief fact sheet offers employer strategies on how to reduce unintentional poisoning among employees, both on the job and in the home. 		May 02, 2011
Health Care Law Implementation Forum (Webinar Presentation)
Steve Wojcik, the National Business Group on Health's Vice President of Public Policy, led an informal discussion and look at the latest developments on implementing the health care law and any likely changes in the law. 		Apr 29, 2011
Health Care Literacy Recommendations Comparison Chart (Chart)
A comparison chart of recommendations from the National Business Group on Health and the ERISA Advisory Council's final report on health care literacy. 		Apr 28, 2011
Consumer-Directed Health Care (Conference Call Highlights)
The topic of the month is: What's New in Plan Design: Value-Based, Tiered Contributions, Reference-Based Pricing 		Apr 26, 2011
Molecular and Genetic Diagnostics: Practical Considerations for Employer-Sponsored Plans (Webinar Presentation)
This second session in the Business Group's Genetic Testing Webinar Series features Medco Health Solutions discussing the current market, coverage practices and pipeline for genetic and molecular diagnostics; gaps in evidence-based diagnostics utilization, and approaches to value-driven benefits management. 		Apr 26, 2011
  Pathways to Managing Cancer in the Workplace (Employer Guide)
Provides employers with practical ways to support both employees living with cancer and caregivers by implementing a full spectrum of benefits and programs. It also addresses cancer prevention, early detection, cost and quality management, ease of treatment, behavioral health, and workplace support services. 		Apr 26, 2011
Benefits Contributions for Employees on Leave (Quick Survey Results)
Determines what policies employers have implemented regarding whether employees on unpaid leaves of absence must continue to pay their share of premiums. In addition, this survey takes a quick look at the types of employee groups that are eligible for severance plans. 		Apr 25, 2011
Benefits Contributions for Employees on Leave (Slide Deck)
Determines what policies employers have implemented regarding whether employees on unpaid leaves of absence must continue to pay their share of premiums. In addition, this survey takes a quick look at the types of employee groups that are eligible for severance plans. 		Apr 25, 2011
Supreme Court Denies Virginia's Request for an Expedited Review of Health Care Law (Policy Alert)
Today, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to expedite a review of Virginia's lawsuit against the health care law, Commonwealth of Virginia v. Sebelius. 		Apr 25, 2011
  Letter to the Governor Robert McDonnell Proposing a Model for the State Insurance Exchanges (Comments and Letters)
The National Business Group on Health submitted an exchange model to the Governor McDonnell on behalf of large employers that underscores the need for the state insurance exchanges to aggressively focus on value, promote improvements in the effectiveness and efficiency of care, reduce the total cost of the care for all people and all payers, and make exchange interactions as easy and user-friendly as possible for enrollees. 		Apr 21, 2011
  Consumer Directed Health Care: The Employer Perspective (Issue Update)
Current information on all aspects of Consumer-Directed Health Care, including health savings accounts, health reimbursement arrangements, and high-deductible health plans. 		Apr 20, 2011
  Letter to the Director of the Office of Insurance Exchanges at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Joel Ario Proposing a Model for the State Insurance Exchanges (Comments and Letters)
The National Business Group on Health sent an exchange model to the Director of the Insurance Exchange Office at HHS on behalf of large employers, that underscores the need for the state insurance exchanges to aggressively focus on value, promote improvements in the effectiveness and efficiency of care, reduce the total cost of the care for all people and all payers, and make exchange interactions as easy and user-friendly as possible for enrollees. 		Apr 20, 2011
  EMPAQ® 2011: Preparing to Use This Valuable Benchmarking Tool (Webinar Presentation)
Learn how an employer, GlaxoSmithKline, has used EMPAQ to gain senior leadership support for new programs around absence management and how GSK was able to increase the number of employees returning to work after being out on disability. In addition, learn about this years EMPAQ benchmarking process, including how to get started, data submission and the type of reports available. 		Apr 19, 2011
Congress Repeals Employee Free Choice Vouchers; President Expected to Sign into Law Today (Policy Alert)
Recently, Congress officially repealed the employee free choice voucher provision that was a part of last year's health care law. 		Apr 15, 2011
Health Care Law Implementation Forum (Webinar Presentation)
Steve Wojcik, the National Business Group on Health's Vice President of Public Policy, led an informal discussion and look at the latest developments on implementing the health care law and any likely changes in the law. 		Apr 15, 2011
  Joint Letter to Representative Charles Boustany (R-LA) Supporting the Bill to Repeal the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports Act (CLASS Act) (Comments and Letters)
The National Business Group on Health sent a joint letter to Members of Congress recognizing the need for viable long-term care coverage, but opposing the CLASS Act, in general as an actuarially unsound program, as well as its automatic enrollment provision. 		Apr 15, 2011
  Joint Letter to Senators John Thune (R-SD) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) Supporting the Bill to Repeal the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports Act (CLASS Act) (Comments and Letters)
The National Business Group on Health sent a joint letter to Members of Congress recognizing the need for viable long-term care coverage, but opposing the CLASS Act, in general as an actuarially unsound program, as well as its automatic enrollment provision. 		Apr 15, 2011
Engaging Women as Consumers to Address the Challenges and Rising Costs of Maternity Care (Webinar Presentation)
For many large employers, maternal care and delivery are expensive health costs. During this presentation, Terri Flock from the University of California (UC) discusses how UC -with a predominantly female staff- helps raise awareness of risks for low birth weight, c-sections and other pregnancy complications. UC encourages employees to get prenatal care by partnering with Health Net to highlight information in employee publications and engage women through worksite and health plan educational programs. 		Apr 13, 2011
Engaging Women as Consumers to Address the Challenges and Rising Costs of Maternity Care (Webinar Presentation)
For many large employers, maternal care and delivery are among the top most expensive health care costs. Dr. Neil Solomon is Vice President and Chief Medical Director for Health Net, one of the nation's largest publicly traded managed care companies. In this presentation, Dr. Solomon discusses how Health Net partners with the University of California to raise awareness of the risks for low birth weight and c-sections, and to engage women on pregnancy wellness through worksite and health plan educational programs. 		Apr 13, 2011
  Deal to Keep the Government Open Would Cut Employee Free Choice, or "Cash Out", Vouchers (Washington Business Health Update)
The President, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) and House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) reached an agreement that would cut $39 billion across a variety of government programs and fund the federal government for the rest of the congressional fiscal year (September 30, 2011). 		Apr 12, 2011
Eligibility Determination Appeals (Slide Deck)
This survey focuses on what kind of appeals process employers currently have in place for eligibility determination appeals, and focuses on how those employers contracting with an external review organization designed their appeals process. Lastly, the survey asks about any changes that will need to be made due to the Affordable Care Act. 		Apr 12, 2011
Eligibility Determination Appeals (Quick Survey Results)
This survey focuses on what kind of appeals process employers currently have in place for eligibility determination appeals, and focuses on how those employers contracting with an external review organization designed their appeals process. Lastly, the survey asks about any changes that will need to be made due to the Affordable Care Act. 		Apr 12, 2011
Employee Engagement Webinar Series
Part 1: Engaging Your Social Network: How Technology and Social Networks Improve Employee Engagement Programs (Webinar Presentation)
This webinar will discuss how technology and social networks can drive employee engagement by opening a company-wide dialogue and helping employees take an active role in achieving corporate goals and objectives. 		Apr 12, 2011
  Representative Paul Ryan's (R-WI) Proposal to Reduce Government Spending Would Set Up Medicare Exchange (Washington Business Health Update)
The House will consider Budget Committee Chair Paul Ryan's (R-WI) budget plan that would cut about $6 trillion in federal spending over the next 10 years and remove funding for certain provisions of the health care law. 		Apr 12, 2011
Benefits Communications Benchmarking (Conference Call Highlights)
This month's conference call topic: Employee Newsletter Design and Dissemination. 		Apr 08, 2011
Employee Attitudes Toward Health Information and Comparative Effectiveness Research (Webinar Presentation)
This new survey of employees of large employers investigates the type of information that employees use in their health care decision-making, as well as their awareness and perceptions of comparative effectiveness research. 		Apr 06, 2011
Hearing Aid Coverage (Slide Deck)
Hearing loss is a problem that affects millions of people in the United States, and can be improved with the use of hearing aid devices. Currently, most health plans do not cover hearing aids, but some employers do offer limited coverage. 		Apr 06, 2011
Hearing Aid Coverage (Quick Survey Results)
Hearing loss is a problem that affects millions of people in the United States, and can be improved with the use of hearing aid devices. Currently, most health plans do not cover hearing aids, but some employers do offer limited coverage. 		Apr 06, 2011
  An Employer's Guide to Cancer Treatment and Prevention: Quick Reference Guide and Assessment (Check List)
This resource is intended to help benefit managers by providing a checklist of key benefits that can be compared to the current benefit set, in the areas of: General Medical Benefit, including Behavioral Health; Pharmacy Benefit; Case Management; Employee Assistance Programs/Work-Life; Family Medical Leave (FML); Short- and Long-Term Disability; Wellness/Health Promotion/Prevention. 		Apr 04, 2011
Health Care Law Implementation Forum (Webinar Presentation)
Steve Wojcik, the National Business Group on Health's Vice President of Public Policy, led an informal discussion and look at the latest developments on implementing the health care law and any likely changes in the law. 		Apr 01, 2011
IRS Issues Preliminary Guidance on Upcoming W-2 Reporting Requirement of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) (Policy Alert)
In advance of next year's requirement that employers report the value of health benefits on employees' W-2 forms, the IRS provided some guidance yesterday in determining what and how to report it. 		Mar 31, 2011
Puerto Rican Health Plan Design and Administration (Quick Survey Results)
The purpose of this survey was to determine how employers with employees in Puerto Rico had designed their health plan(s), and to explore alternatives for an out-of-area plan. Some questions in the survey focused on plan types, deductibles and cost-sharing. 		Mar 31, 2011
Puerto Rican Health Plan Design and Administration (Slide Deck)
The purpose of this survey was to determine how employers with employees in Puerto Rico had designed their health plan(s), and to explore alternatives for an out-of-area plan. Some questions in the survey focused on plan types, deductibles and cost-sharing. 		Mar 31, 2011
EEOC Issues Final Rule Implementing Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Expansion (Policy Alert)
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) released the final rule implementing the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA) that maintains the definition of disability, but it interprets it more broadly. 		Mar 29, 2011
Getting Through to Employees at Decision Time: Corning's Success (Webinar Presentation)
Reaching employees and supporting them in their health decisions is hard. In this webinar, Shub Degupta and Bridget Searles describe how WiserTogether's innovative pregnancy product, Wiser Pregnancy, engaged more than 85% of Corning Incorporated's target employee population within 11 weeks of launch. 		Mar 29, 2011
State Taxation of Adult Dependent Health Care Coverage (Quick Survey Results)
Determines whether employers were tracking this issue, and whether any employers at this point have taken any steps to tax adult dependents at the state level. 		Mar 29, 2011
State Taxation of Adult Dependent Health Care Coverage (Slide Deck)
Determines whether employers were tracking this issue, and whether any employers at this point have taken any steps to tax adult dependents at the state level. 		Mar 29, 2011
  Congressional Republicans Question CLASS Act (Washington Business Health Update)
Republicans in Congress questioned the details of the Community Living Assistance Services and Support (CLASS) Act, part of the new health care law. 		Mar 24, 2011
Employers' Response in Japan (Slide Deck)
The purpose of this survey was to determine what employers with employees in Japan were doing to help their employees and their families in the aftermath of the disaster in Japan, and focused on communications efforts, distribution of potassium iodide tablets, and evacuation of affected employees. The survey was only open for three days between March 21st and March 24th, due to the evolving nature of the situation. 		Mar 24, 2011
Employers' Response in Japan (Quick Survey Results)
The purpose of this survey was to determine what employers with employees in Japan were doing to help their employees and their families in the aftermath of the disaster in Japan, and focused on communications efforts, distribution of potassium iodide tablets, and evacuation of affected employees. The survey was only open for three days between March 21st and March 24th, due to the evolving nature of the situation. 		Mar 24, 2011
  Representatives Charles Boustany (R-LA) and John Larson (D-CT) Introduce Flexible Spending Account (FSA) "Cash Out" Bill (Washington Business Health Update)
Representatives Charles Boustany (R-LA) and John Larson (D-CT) introduced a bill that would suspend "the use or lose it rule", beginning in 2013, for Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and allow people to "cash-out" their remaining balances at the end of the year, but pay taxes on them. 		Mar 24, 2011
  Senators Urge President to Act on Entitlement Reform (Washington Business Health Update)
With the country set to hit the debt ceiling between April 15th and May 31st, sixty-four Senators led by Michael Bennett (D-CO) and Mike Johanns (R-NE) recently wrote a letter to the President to act on entitlement changes (Medicare and Social Security), discretionary spending cuts and tax reform based on recommendations of the bipartisan Fiscal Commission. 		Mar 24, 2011
When is a Genetic Test Useful? (Webinar Presentation)
Margaret Piper, PhD, and Steven Gutman, MD, from the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association Technology Evaluation Center discuss what's new in genetic testing; why test clinical utility is important; examples of tests that do and don't meet evidence standards, and what employers should consider when preparing their health and pharmacy plans. 		Mar 24, 2011
  Employer-Sponsored Services for the Cancer Continuum of Care: How Does Your Program Measure Up? (Webinar Presentation)
The first phase in "An Employer's Guide on Cancer Treatment and Prevention." To help employers address cancer in the workplace, this resource outlines a checklist of key benefits in the areas of: General Medical Benefit, including Behavioral Health; Pharmacy Benefit; Case Management; Employee Assistance Programs/Work-Life; Family Medical Leave (FML); Short- and Long-Term Disability; Wellness/Health Promotion/Prevention. 		Mar 23, 2011
  Comments to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Chair on the Treatment of Financial Incentives for Wellness Programs under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) (Comments and Letters)
The National Business Group on Health sent comments to the EEOC Chair recommending that that if financial incentives offered as part of wellness programs comply with HIPAA and with EEOC's own recent rules on wellness incentives and GINA, than it should pose no issue for ADA compliance. 		Mar 22, 2011
Consumer-Directed Health Care (Conference Call Highlights)
This Month's Topic: On-Site Health Centers, Urgent Care and Convenience Care Clinics. 		Mar 22, 2011
Government Again Delays Enforcement of New Internal Appeals Standards for Good Faith Compliance (Policy Alert)
The Departments of Labor (DoL), Treasury (Internal Revenue Service), and Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a technical release that extends the previous enforcement grace period for certain additional standards for internal claims and appeals processes for Non-Grandfathered plans to plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2012. 		Mar 21, 2011
  Cancer Clinical Trials (Background Information)
Supporting Documentation on Cancer Clinical Trials for the Employer's Guide to Cancer Treatment and Prevention - Quick Reference Guide and Assessment. 		Mar 18, 2011
  Collaborative Care for Depression and Stress in Cancer Patients (Background Information)
Supporting Documentation on Collaborative Care for Depression and Stress in Cancer Patients for the Employer's Guide to Cancer Treatment and Prevention - Quick Reference Guide and Assessment. 		Mar 18, 2011
Health Care Law Implementation Forum (Webinar Presentation)
Steve Wojcik, the National Business Group on Health's Vice President of Public Policy, will lead an informal discussion and look at the latest developments on implementing the health care law and any likely changes in the law. 		Mar 18, 2011
  Multidisciplinary Cancer Teams (Background Information)
Supporting Documentation on Multidisciplinary Cancer Teams for the Employer's Guide to Cancer Treatment and Prevention - Quick Reference Guide and Assessment. 		Mar 18, 2011
  NCCN Background Information - Drugs & Biologics Compendium (Background Information)
Supporting Documentation on NCCN Drugs & Biologics Compendium for the Employer's Guide to Cancer Treatment and Prevention - Quick Reference Guide and Assessment. 		Mar 18, 2011
  Stem Cell Transplant Criteria (Background Information)
Supporting Documentation on Stem Cell Transplant Criteria for the Employer's Guide to Cancer Treatment and Prevention - Quick Reference Guide and Assessment. 		Mar 18, 2011
On-site Health Clinic Vendors (Slide Deck)
Determines how employers are selecting vendors to run their on-site health clinics, and how satisfied employers are with those vendors. The survey asks respondents about the types of performance guarantees that employers have put into place, as well as their overall satisfaction with the vendor. 		Mar 16, 2011
On-site Health Clinic Vendors (Quick Survey Results)
Determines how employers are selecting vendors to run their on-site health clinics, and how satisfied employers are with those vendors. The survey asks respondents about the types of performance guarantees that employers have put into place, as well as their overall satisfaction with the vendor. 		Mar 16, 2011
Shaping Health Care Strategy in a Post-Reform Environment: the 16th Annual Employer Survey on Purchasing Value in Health Care (Survey Report)
Provides a summary of the results of the NBGH/Towers Watson annual employer survey on purchasing value in health care. 		Mar 14, 2011
  First Award for Innovation in Reducing Health Care Disparities (Brochure)
The National Business Group on Health has given an award, for the first time, to six members for implementing outstanding programs to reduce disparities in health care and health status. 		Mar 10, 2011
Legal Considerations for Rules and Regulations Governing Wellness Program Incentives (Issue Update)
Outlines the legislative and regulatory requirements of financial incentive programs, including HIPAA, ADA and relevant tax laws. 		Mar 08, 2011
  Letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in Support of the Hospital Inpatient Value Based Purchasing Program (VBP) (Comments and Letters)
The National Business Group on Health sent a letter in strong support of CMS' efforts to advance patient-centered, evidence-based medicine and improve the quality of health care for all beneficiaries and the efficiency of the Medicare program through the Hospital Inpatient Value Based Purchasing Program. 		Mar 08, 2011
  Bill Would Make Public Medicare Doctors' Payment Rates (Washington Business Health Update)
Senate Finance Committee members Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Charles Grassley (R-IA) teamed up on a bill that would make public what Medicare pays to doctors. 		Mar 07, 2011
  President Signs 2 Week Delay of Government Shutdown (Washington Business Health Update)
The President signed into law a bill that prevented a government shutdown originally set for March 4th until March 18th. 		Mar 07, 2011
  President Supports State Flexibility Toward Parts of Health Care Law (Washington Business Health Update)
President Obama announced his support for a bill that would allow states to apply for federal waivers to opt-out of certain provisions in the federal health care law beginning on or after January 1, 2014, three years before the law currently permits in 2017. 		Mar 07, 2011
Health Care Law Implementation Forum (Webinar Presentation)
Steve Wojcik, the National Business Group on Health's Vice President of Public Policy, will lead an informal discussion and look at the latest developments on implementing the health care law and any likely changes in the law. 		Mar 04, 2011
  Letter to Representatives Phil Gingrey (R-GA) and David Scott (D-GA) Supporting a Bill to Reform the Health Care Legal System (Comments and Letters)
The National Business Group on Health sent a support letter for a bill to reform the health care legal system that would reduce the billions of health care dollars wasted annually on defensive medicine and frivolous lawsuits which have contributed significantly to skyrocketing health care costs, threatened access to care in several parts of the country, and hindered efforts to improve quality. 		Mar 04, 2011
  Reaching Out to Diverse Employees (Slide Deck)
This presentation explains why employers must consider using commercial marketing practices - segment, target and position - to improve employee health behaviors in a diverse workforce. 		Mar 03, 2011
  Using Data to Make Smarter Business Decisions about Health and Productivity Management (Webinar Presentation)
This webinar describes how companies can use data analytics to inform strategic business decisions and make the case to senior management about improving health and productivity management programs. 		Mar 03, 2011
Chart Comparing the Federal Bills Allowing States to Opt-Out of Key Provisions in the Health Care Law (Chart)
A regularly updated chart comparing the federal bills allowing states to opt-out of key provisions in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. 		Mar 02, 2011
  Addressing Cancer in the Workplace -- A Consultants Meeting (Conference Call Highlights)
This virtual meeting brought together seven consultants from different consulting firms. The consultants shared their insights and experiences with the employer's role in cancer management. They also discussed actions employers can take to implement a full spectrum of high-quality benefits and programs for employees with cancer and for those who are caring for family members with cancer. 		Mar 01, 2011
  National Business Group on Health's Position Statement on Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) (Position Statement)
The National Business Group on Health believes that Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) should 1) set high performance standards for quality and efficiency for ACOs; 2) pay ACOs in ways that foster full responsibility and accountability for effective and efficient care; and 3) avoid adverse competitive impacts through unwarranted higher costs or cost-shifting to others. 		Mar 01, 2011
  Comments to the U.S. Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services and Treasury on Value-Based Insurance Design (VBID) in Connection with Preventive Care Benefits (Comments and Letters)
The National Business Group on Health submitted comments to the federal government's Request for Information (RFI) regarding Value-Based Insurance Design (VBID) in connection with preventive care benefits under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. 		Feb 28, 2011
Rethinking Incentives: Motivating Employees to 'Own' Their Health Costs and Behaviors (Webinar Presentation)
In this webinar, Jeff Viviano, Director of Global Human Resources Operations & Benefits at Welch Allyn and Kurt Cegielski, Co-Founder of RedBrick Health, showcase how Welch Allyn--a leading medical device manufacturer--is blending an integrated wellness initiative with an incentive design that changes the traditional employer/employee cost sharing model of financing health care. Together with RedBrick Health, Welch Allyn's programs engage employees through a technology-supported strategy that recognizes that health is personal, social and financial. 		Feb 24, 2011
Consumer-Directed Health Care (Conference Call Highlights)
The topic of the Month is: Consumer-Directed Health Plans in the Affordable Care Act Era: What Employers Should Know 		Feb 22, 2011
  Comments to the U.S. Department of Labor with Recommendations on the "Reasonable" Break Time for Nursing Mother Requirement in the Health Care Law (Comments and Letters)
The National Business Group on Health submitted comments to the U.S. Department of Labor's Request for Information (RFI) regarding the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act's (Affordable Care Act) requirement to provide "reasonable" break time (no requirement to pay for breaks) for "non-exempt" employee mothers to nurse children/express breast milk for 1 year after birth in private places, other than bathrooms. 		Feb 21, 2011
Salary-Based Contributions (Quick Survey Results)
This survey focuses on how many employers have instituted salary-based premiums, deductibles and/or out-of-pocket maximums, and what kind of challenges they encountered in the design, implementation, and communication of their strategy. 		Feb 21, 2011
Salary-Based Contributions (Slide Deck)
This survey focuses on how many employers have instituted salary-based premiums, deductibles and/or out-of-pocket maximums, and what kind of challenges they encountered in the design, implementation, and communication of their strategy. 		Feb 21, 2011
Health Care Law Implementation Forum (Webinar Presentation)
Steve Wojcik, the National Business Group on Health's Vice President of Public Policy, will lead an informal discussion and look at the latest developments on implementing the health care law and any likely changes in the law. 		Feb 18, 2011
On-Site Occupational Health Programs and Clinics (Quick Survey Results)
This survey focuses on how employers perceive their strategies for occupational health programs, and also delves into the current role that on-site health clinics play in providing occupational health and primary care. 		Feb 17, 2011
On-Site Occupational Health Programs and Clinics (Slide Deck)
This survey focuses on how employers perceive their strategies for occupational health programs, and also delves into the current role that on-site health clinics play in providing occupational health and primary care. 		Feb 17, 2011
  Bills Would Remove the Health Care Law's FSA Cap, Prescription Requirement to Use Health Accounts for Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications (Washington Business Health Update)
Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) introduced a bill that would remove the $2,500 limit imposed in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act on flexible spending accounts (FSAs) and the ban on using FSAs, health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs), and health savings accounts (HSAs) to pay for over-the-counter (OTC) medications unless people have a prescription. 		Feb 16, 2011
  Letter to Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) and Congressman Erik Paulsen (R-MN) Supporting a Bill to Repeal Restrictions in the Health Care Law on Health Accounts (Comments and Letters)
The National Business Group on Health sent a support letter to Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) and Congressman Erik Paulsen (R-MN) supporting bills that would remove the $2,500 limit imposed in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Affordable Care Act) on flexible spending accounts (FSAs) and the ban on using FSAs, health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs), and health savings accounts (HSAs) to pay for over-the-counter (OTC) medications unless people have a prescription. 		Feb 16, 2011
  President's Budget Would Delay Medicare Physician Reimbursement Cuts for 2 Years (Washington Business Health Update)
The President released his 2012 budget proposal which includes a provision to delay a phased 25% cut in Medicare physician reimbursements for 2 years by reducing the exclusivity period for brand biologic drugs and ending "pay-for-delay" arrangements. 		Feb 16, 2011
Tying Incentives to Biometric Outcomes (Quick Survey Results)
This survey assesses whether employers have tied incentives to certain biometric outcomes, such as tobacco status, cholesterol, blood pressure and BMI. Additionally, it looks at what types of incentives those employers are using to encourage healthy behavior. 		Feb 15, 2011
Tying Incentives to Biometric Outcomes (Slide Deck)
This survey assesses whether employers have tied incentives to certain biometric outcomes, such as tobacco status, cholesterol, blood pressure and BMI. Additionally, it looks at what types of incentives those employers are using to encourage healthy behavior. 		Feb 15, 2011
Weight Watchers (Webinar Presentation)
Karen Miller-Kovach, Chief Scientific Officer, and Tom Futch, Vice President, Weight Watchers Wellness, Weight Watchers International, Inc., describe Weight Watchers' new PointsPlus program, which combines the best of the Weight Watchers' method used for decades with the latest in nutrition science. The method has been tested in randomized trials where it showed effective weight loss, improved cardiovascular risk status, and significant improvements in lifestyle behaviors. 		Feb 15, 2011
IRS Says People May Use Health Accounts to Pay for Breast Pumps and Lactation Supplies (Policy Alert)
Recently, the IRS announced that people may use their health accounts [flexible spending accounts (FSAs), health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs), or health savings accounts (HSAs)] to pay for breast pumps and lactation supplies. 		Feb 11, 2011
Clinical Advocacy Programs: Engaging Employees to Become Better Health Care Consumers (Webinar Presentation)
Clinical Advocacy services provide expert guidance to help people become better health care consumers. By ensuring from the start that people have the right diagnosis and the right treatment through expert consultations, quality is improved for better outcomes. But these programs only bring value when people engage in these services. Learn how leading employer The Home Depot has successfully implemented a clinical advocacy program through creative and effective communications strategies that drive utilization. 		Feb 09, 2011
  Senate Judiciary Committee Holds Hearings on Constitutionality of the Individual Mandate (Washington Business Health Update)
The Senate Judiciary Committee heard contradictory opinions from lawyers on whether or not the individual mandate in the health care law is constitutional. 		Feb 07, 2011
  Senate Vote to Repeal the Health Care Law Fails (Washington Business Health Update)
Senate Republicans tried to pass an amendment identical to the House-passed bill to repeal the health care law after the recent federal court ruling in Florida that the individual mandate is unconstitutional. 		Feb 07, 2011
  Senators Re-Introduce Bill to Prohibit Deals that Postpone Market Entry of Generic Drugs (Washington Business Health Update)
Senators Herb Kohl (D-MI) and Charles Grassley (R-IA) re-introduced a bill that would make it illegal for brand and generic pharmaceutical manufacturers to make deals that delay the market entry of generic drugs. 		Feb 07, 2011
Health Care Law Implementation Forum (Webinar Presentation)
Steve Wojcik, the National Business Group on Health's Vice President of Public Policy, will lead an informal discussion and look at the latest developments on implementing the health care law and any likely changes in the law. 		Feb 04, 2011
  Letter to Senators Herb Kohl (D-WI) and Charles Grassley (R-IA) Supporting a Bill to Prohibit Deals that Delay Market Entry of Generic Drugs (Comments and Letters)
The National Business Group on Health sent a letter to Senators Herb Kohl (D-WI) and Charles Grassley (R-IA) supporting the "Preserve Access to Affordable Generics Act" which would prohibit brand name drug companies from compensating generic drug companies to delay the entry of generic drugs into the marketplace. 		Feb 03, 2011
  Employee Attitudes Toward Health Information and Comparative Effectiveness Research - Executive Summary (Executive Summary)
Executive Summary of survey results investigating the type of information that employees use in their health care decision-making, as well as their awareness and perceptions of comparative effectiveness research. 		Feb 01, 2011
  Employers Investment in Employee Health, a National Business Group on Health/Fidelity Investments Benefits Consulting Survey (Survey Report)
This survey of large employers looks at the types of health improvement programs employers and the associated cost of these programs. 		Feb 01, 2011
Federal Judge in Florida Rules Individual Mandate Unconstitutional (Policy Alert)
Recently, a Federal Judge in Florida ruled that Congress exceeded it's Constitutional authority under the Commerce Clause and the Necessary and Proper Clause by requiring people to purchase health insurance or pay a fee under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. 		Jan 31, 2011
  President Open to Modest Changes to the Health Care Law (Washington Business Health Update)
In his State of the Union Address, the President identified that he was willing to consider medical malpractice reform to rein in frivolous lawsuits; repealing a provision requiring businesses to file IRS 1099 reports for every transaction with vendors of $600 or more; and additional Medicare and Medicaid reductions. 		Jan 28, 2011
  Republicans Hold Hearings on Health Care Law's Costs and Impact on Jobs (Washington Business Health Update)
House Republicans focused hearings on the economic costs of the new health care law and its impact on job creation. 		Jan 28, 2011
International Assignee and International Traveler Insurance (Quick Survey Results)
This survey focuses on what types of benefits employers offer to international assignees and international travelers, and looks at the variations in coverage among inpatriates, expatriates and third country nationals. In addition, employers were asked to report which different vendors they use for their international assignees and travelers. 		Jan 27, 2011
International Assignee and International Traveler Insurance (Slide Deck)
This survey focuses on what types of benefits employers offer to international assignees and international travelers, and looks at the variations in coverage among inpatriates, expatriates and third country nationals. In addition, employers were asked to report which different vendors they use for their international assignees and travelers. 		Jan 27, 2011
  Maternal Depression and the Workplace: Employer Recommendations (Webinar Presentation)
This webinar addressed maternal depression and the workplace, its prevalence, impact and cost on employers. Dr. Joe F. Hagan, Jr. pediatrician, presented information on maternal depression from a clinical perspective, focusing on how physicians play an important screening role, and suggesting ways employers can connect employees to needed services. 		Jan 27, 2011
  Maternal Depression and the Workplace: Employer Recommendations (Webinar Presentation)
This webinar addressed maternal depression and the workplace, its prevalence, impact and cost on employers. Mindy F. Legere, LMFT, shared information about how the development and implementation of a maternal depression intervention program implemented at WellPoint, Inc., a health benefits company serving employers nationwide. 		Jan 27, 2011
  Preventing Premature Birth: Having Healthier Babies and Lowering Employer Costs (Issue Brief)
The premature birth rate continues to increase, leading to higher costs for employers and negative health impacts on employees. This issue brief provides employers with information on strategies, risk factors, and policies to consider in addressing premature births. 		Jan 26, 2011
  Testimony from The National Business Group on Health to the House Ways and Means Committee on the Impact the Health Care Law Will Have on Employers' Ability to Hire New Workers and Retain Existing Employees (Testimony)
The National Business Group on Health testified before the House Ways and Means Committee that uncertainty or the lack of clarification regarding "the rules of the road" to implement the law has led many employers to hold off on hiring new employees and that the law does not address their chief concerns to radically change the way we pay for and deliver care. 		Jan 26, 2011
  Employer Investments in Improving Employee Health: Results from the Second Annual National Business Group on Health/Fidelity Investments Benefits Consulting Survey (Webinar Presentation)
The Business Group and Fidelity investments s discuss results from their new survey, including benchmarking on employer-provided incentives, estimates on employers' spend on health improvement, as well as employers' perceptions on the value of various types of health improvement programs. 		Jan 25, 2011
  Beyond the Disease: The Impact of Cancer Survivorship on Employers (Webinar Presentation)
Robert Jacob, Director, Health & Productivity Development, Unum, describes disability trends, presenteeism, productivity issues and employer strategies regarding cancer in the workplace. 		Jan 24, 2011
  National Business Group on Health: Cancer Webinar (Webinar Presentation)
Dr. Stephen Kindred, Assistant Vice President & Corporate Medical Director, State Farm Insurance Companies, provides information for employers on preventive services, cancer screening and wellness programs. 		Jan 24, 2011
  Congress Plans First Round of 2011 Hearings on the Health Care Law (Washington Business Health Update)
Democrats in the Senate and Republicans in the House have scheduled oversight hearings on the health care law's consumer protections and the impact it will have on the U.S. economy and employers' ability to hire new workers and retain existing employees. 		Jan 21, 2011
  House Passes Bills that Would "Repeal and Replace" the Health Care Law (Washington Business Health Update)
House Republicans, joined by a few Democrats, passed 2 mainly symbolic bills that would 1. Repeal the health care law; and 2. Instruct four committees to draft a new health care bill that would address 12 goals. 		Jan 21, 2011
Administration of Wellness Program Incentives (Slide Deck)
This survey focuses on how employers administer their wellness programs. Some of the questions ask employers how they track participation in wellness programs and how employees can track their progress in completing the requirements to achieve those financial incentives. 		Jan 19, 2011
Administration of Wellness Program Incentives (Quick Survey Results)
This survey focuses on how employers administer their wellness programs. Some of the questions ask employers how they track participation in wellness programs and how employees can track their progress in completing the requirements to achieve those financial incentives. 		Jan 19, 2011
  EMPAQ Annual Report Executive Summary (Executive Summary)
Key findings from EMPAQ for the 2009 program year show how employee health and productivity fared during the recession. 		Jan 19, 2011
  Five Key Facts: Financial Incentives for Healthy Lifestyles (Fact Sheet)
Fact sheet detailing the most current statistics on employer use of financial incentives for healthy lifestyles. 		Jan 19, 2011
Imputed Income Offset for Domestic Partner Benefits (Quick Survey Results)
This survey looks at whether employers are covering domestic partners, and if so, which types of domestic partners. Additionally, employers were asked questions regarding whether they assist employees with domestic partners with the additional tax burden. 		Jan 19, 2011
Imputed Income Offset for Domestic Partner Benefits (Slide Deck)
This survey looks at whether employers are covering domestic partners, and if so, which types of domestic partners. Additionally, employers were asked questions regarding whether they assist employees with domestic partners with the additional tax burden. 		Jan 19, 2011
Legacy Programs: FAQs About On-Site Fitness Centers and Off-Site Gym Subsidies (FAQs)
Answers to frequently asked questions regarding staffed and unstaffed fitness centers and the effectiveness of off-site gym subsidies. 		Jan 19, 2011
Benefits Communications Benchmarking Conference Call (Conference Call Highlights)
This month's topic focused on: The best and the worst of 2010 		Jan 14, 2011
Controlling Health Care Costs: What Employers Should Do (Top Solutions)
The 10 tactics outlined in this document provide examples of the types of actions that employers can take to control health care costs, as a result of new challenges set forth by the Affordable Care Act and weakened U.S. economy. 		Jan 14, 2011
  Investing in Maternal and Child Health: A Calculator for Employers (Webinar Presentation)
The National Business Group on Health and the University of Michigan have developed a cost-savings calculator to estimate the value to employers of preventive health benefits for women of child-bearing age and children. This presentation explains how your company can use this new tool to improve the health of employees and dependents. 		Jan 13, 2011
  Testimony of Helen Darling, President and CEO, National Business Group on Health, to the Institute of Medicine's (IOM) Committee on the Determination of "Essential Health Benefits" (Testimony)
Helen Darling testified that IOM's Committee on the Determination of "Essential Health Benefits" should focus not only on the goals of providing comprehensive coverage and promoting evidence-based, effective care, but also on the equally important triple financial goals of assuring people affordable coverage, protecting them from catastrophic financial losses when faced with serious illness; and helping them to avoid unnecessary costs. 		Jan 13, 2011
Tobacco-Free Policies and Cessation Programs (Slide Deck)
This survey asks employers whether they have implemented a tobacco-free policy, and if so in what locations is it in cffect and what constitutes this type of policy. In addition, employers reported the types of tobacco cessation programs they have in place, and how they have developed their plan designs to help employees quit using tobacco. 		Jan 13, 2011
Tobacco-Free Policies and Cessation Programs (Quick Survey Results)
This survey asks employers whether they have implemented a tobacco-free policy, and if so in what locations is it in effect and what constitutes this type of policy. In addition, employers reported the types of tobacco cessation programs they have in place, and how they have developed their plan designs to help employees quit using tobacco. 		Jan 13, 2011
Accommodating Nursing Mothers Who Are Non-Exempt Employees and Employer Best Practices for Lactation Support (Webinar Presentation)
Presentation covers what employers need to do to provide reasonable break times and accommodations for non-exempt employees who are nursing mothers to comply with the new health care law provision; Quick Survey results on what employers are doing to comply with the new requirements, and an overview of the business case for breastfeeding promotion, best practices, and Business Group resources for employers on the development, implementation and evaluation of workplace breastfeeding programs. 		Jan 12, 2011
Emergency Room Utilization: The Whole Foods Market Approach (Webinar Presentation)
Amy Green, Senior Team Leader - Benefits, Whole Foods Market, details Whole Foods' strategy to mitigate their growing trend in inappropriate emergency room use. 		Jan 07, 2011
What's Driving ER Use? Scope and Intervention Strategies (Webinar Presentation)
Art Kellermann, MD, Director, and Robin Weinick, PhD, Senior Social Scientist, RAND Health, provide an overview of the potential cost savings from redirecting inappropriate emergency room care to convenience care and urgent care clinics. 		Jan 07, 2011
Adding Adult Dependents: Employer Experiences (Slide Deck)
The purpose of this survey is to examine employers' experiences with the new eligibility requirements for dependents, and to compare the number of adult dependents that were expected to join employer-sponsored health plans to the number that actually did. 		Jan 03, 2011
Adding Adult Dependents: Employer Experiences (Quick Survey Results)
The purpose of this survey is to examine employers' experiences with the new eligibility requirements for dependents, and to compare the number of adult dependents that were expected to join employer-sponsored health plans to the number that actually did. 		Jan 03, 2011
Employee Attitudes Toward Health Information and Comparative Effectiveness Research (Survey Report)
This new survey of employees of large employers investigates the type of information that employees use in their health care decision-making, as well as their awareness and perceptions of comparative effectiveness research. 		Jan 03, 2011
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Permits the Use of Health Account Debit Cards for Prescribed Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medicines (Policy Alert)
The IRS revised recent rules to allow people to continue to use flexible spending account (FSA) and health reimbursement arrangement (HRA) debit cards to purchase prescribed OTC medicines and drugs. 		Dec 28, 2010
  Comments to the Secretary of the Department of Treasury Recommending that the IRS Permit the Use of Health Account Debit Cards for Purchase of Qualified Over-the-Counter Medicines (Comments and Letters)
The National Business Group on Health sent comments to the Treasury Secretary recommending that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) permit the use of flexible spending account (FSA) and health reimbursement account (HRA) debit cards for all qualified medical expenses, and not ban their use for qualified OTC medicine expenses, i.e., those with prescriptions. 		Dec 22, 2010
  Comments to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Request for Information (RFI) to Develop Federal Guidance for Health Risk Assessments (HRAs) (Comments and Letters)
The National Business Group on Health sent comments and recommendations to the CDC to include a core set of questions in the HRA for the annual Medicare wellness visit, to support the broader use of HRAs within primary care and to provide useful information on HRAs to privately insured populations and employer-sponsored health care plans. 		Dec 21, 2010
  President Signs One Year Delay of Medicare Physician Reimbursement Cuts (Washington Business Health Update)
The President signed into law a 1 year ($19 billion) delay of a required 24.9% cut in Medicare physician reimbursement rates scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2011 by increasing the amount of money the federal government will recoup from people who receive excessive tax credits for health coverage through exchanges, beginning in 2014. 		Dec 17, 2010
  Representative John Carter (R-TX) Introduces Bill to Repeal the New Health Care Law's Medical Loss Ratio (MLR) Requirement (Washington Business Health Update)
Representative John Carter (R-TX) introduced a "resolution of disapproval" to block the Department of Health and Human Services' medical loss ratio regulation requiring all insurers selling individual health insurance policies to pay a minimum of 80% of premiums towards claims and health care services and group policies to pay a minimum of 85%. 		Dec 17, 2010
  Republicans Block Funding to Implement the New Health Care Law (Washington Business Health Update)
Senate Republicans blocked passage of a comprehensive "omnibus" spending bill that included millions of dollars to fund the new health care law. 		Dec 17, 2010
Reminder, Beginning in 2011, Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Rules Restrict the Use of Health Accounts for Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medicines to Those with Prescriptions (Policy Alert)
Beginning January 1st, 2011 people may use health flexible spending accounts (FSAs), health savings accounts (HSAs), or health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs) to pay for OTC medicines only if they have prescriptions for them. 		Dec 16, 2010
  Maternal Depression: What Employers Need to Know and What They Can Do (Issue Brief)
This issue brief provides employers with the resources necessary to address maternal depression in the workforce, including information on risk factors, prevention, treatment, and costs. 		Dec 15, 2010
  Using WISCORE, the Wellness Impact Scorecard, to Evaluate & Benchmark Your Health Improvement Programs (Webinar Presentation)
Karen Marlo and Craig Lykens, of the Business Group introduce the key features of the Wellness Impact Scorecard and provide a technical overview of the tool. 		Dec 14, 2010
Federal Court in Virginia Rules that U.S. Cannot Mandate the Purchase of Individual Health Insurance (Policy Alert)
Today, U.S. Federal District Court Judge Henry Hudson ruled that the government does not have the power under the Constitutions Commerce Clause to mandate the purchase of individual health insurance. 		Dec 13, 2010
Flexible Work Arrangements and Phased Retirement: Creating Options with a Focus on the Health Benefit Implications (Webinar Presentation)
Anna Rappaport of Anna Rappaport Consulting details options and considerations for structuring health benefits in flexible work arrangements and phased retirement. 		Dec 13, 2010
Medication Errors (Slide Deck)
The purpose of this survey is to determine whether employers have performance guarantees with their vendors relating to eliminating medication errors and what types of programs are in place to prevent these errors. 		Dec 13, 2010
Medication Errors (Quick Survey Results)
The purpose of this survey is to determine whether employers have performance guarantees with their vendors relating to eliminating medication errors and what types of programs are in place to prevent these errors. 		Dec 13, 2010
Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act: Medicare and Medicaid Health Care Payment, Quality and Delivery Reforms (Chart)
A timeline chart of the Medicare and Medicaid health care payment, quality and delivery reforms in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Affordable Care Act) 		Dec 13, 2010
The Aging of the Workplace (Webinar Presentation)
Dannielle Sherrets, Manager, National Business Group on Health, details the health status and changing demographics of matures in the workforce. 		Dec 13, 2010
Workforce Strategy: Retirees (Webinar Presentation)
Heyward Williams, Workforce Planning Manager, Georgia Power, describes Georgia Powers innovative program to keep retirees engaged in active business projects. 		Dec 13, 2010
Employers for Healthy Lifestyles: Applying for Global Distinction (Webinar Presentation)
Elizabeth Greenbaum of the National Business Group on Health explains the application process and content of the Best Employers for Healthy Lifestyles recognition of Global Distinction. The designation of Global Distinction rewards companies that are developing and improving approaches to impact the physical, psychological and emotional health, well-being and productivity of global employees and their dependents. 		Dec 10, 2010
HHS Restricts the Sale of and Requires Disclosure of Information about Mini-Med Plans (Policy Alert)
Recently, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released new rules that restrict the sale of "mini-med" or "limited benefits" plans and also require disclosure of plan information to consumers. 		Dec 10, 2010
Driving Employee Behavior Change with Medical Decision Support (Webinar Presentation)
Campbell Soup Company, in partnership with Consumer's Medical Resource, developed a customized decision support program that includes tools targeting non-emergency surgical procedures where patients have legitimate choices among treatment options. Campbell Soup shared their experience regarding program design and incentives, utilization, employee satisfaction, behavior change and program ROI. 		Dec 08, 2010
Best Employers for Healthy Lifestyles: What's New for 2011 and the Judges Perspective (Webinar Presentation)
Joneyse Gatling of the National Business Group provides an overview of the newly designed and more succinct 2011 Best Employers for Healthy Lifestyles application process. Donna Shenoha of Wells Fargo shares what the judges expect and key tips to gain maximum points. 		Dec 07, 2010
  Comments to the Office of Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight on a Federal External Review Process in States that Do Not Meet Minimum Federal Standards (Comments and Letters)
The National Business Group on Health recently provided comments to the Office of Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight with recommendations for a federal external review process in states that do not meet minimum federal standards. 		Dec 07, 2010
Lactation-Support Programs - Complying with New Regulations (Slide Deck)
The purpose of this survey is to determine what type of rooms and amenities employers are providing for nursing mothers, and to identify any challenges they encountered in the process of complying with the new regulations. 		Dec 07, 2010
Lactation-Support Programs - Complying with New Regulations (Quick Survey Results)
The purpose of this survey is to determine what type of rooms and amenities employers are providing for nursing mothers, and to identify any challenges they encountered in the process of complying with the new regulations. 		Dec 07, 2010
  Comments to the Institute of Medicine (IOM) on the Request for Information on Essential Health Benefits Study (Comments and Letters)
The National Business Group on Health sent recommendations to the IOM to help define essential health benefits under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. 		Dec 06, 2010
Reference Based Pricing with Cigna and Castlight (Webinar Presentation)
Safeway, Inc. is working with Castlight Health, creator of a consumer health care transparency platform offering personalized cost, convenience and quality-based shopping, on an innovative program that allows employees to shop online for selected procedures and services. Shawn Leavitt, Vice President, Benefits, Safeway, Inc. discusses how this creative approach can drive price transparency and empower employees to use their benefits wisely. 		Dec 06, 2010
  Congress, Again, Delays Cuts, this Time until January, as It Considers Permanent Medicare Physician Reimbursement "Fix" (Washington Business Health Update)
The House of Representatives passed a bill that would delay legally-required 24.9% cuts in Medicare physician reimbursement rates until January 1 and provide a 2.2% rate increase as a temporary measure while it considers overhauling the way Medicare reimburses physicians. 		Dec 03, 2010
Health Care Law Implementation Forum (Webinar Presentation)
Steve Wojcik, the National Business Group on Health's Vice President of Public Policy, will lead an informal discussion and question and answer session focusing on the latest employer plan issues in implementing the various provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. 		Dec 03, 2010
Managing High Cost Conditions (Slide Deck)
This survey asks employers to identify the most costly medical conditions, and what programs they have put in place to help employees manage the conditions. In addition, respondents were asked which of their programs had been the most effective in controlling each high cost condition. 		Dec 03, 2010
Managing High Cost Conditions (Quick Survey Results)
This survey asks employers to identify the most costly medical conditions, and what programs they have put in place to help employees manage the conditions. In addition, respondents were asked which of their programs had been the most effective in controlling each high cost condition. 		Dec 03, 2010
  Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT) Proposes State Waivers For Insurance Exchanges (Washington Business Health Update)
Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT) plans to introduce a bill in January that would permit states to waive federal standards for exchanges and devise their own standards. 		Dec 03, 2010
  Senators Introduce Proposal for States to Waive the Individual Mandate and Other Key Provisions of the New Health Care Law (Washington Business Health Update)
Senators Scott Brown (R-MA) and Ron Wyden (D-OR) introduced a bill that would move up the date to 2014 from 2017 when states can apply for waivers of certain provisions in the new health care law for up to 5 years, including the individual mandate; employer penalty for not providing coverage (free rider assessment); "qualified" health plan requirements; and health insurance exchanges. 		Dec 03, 2010
Tips for Activating Social Networks at Work (Fact Sheet)
Highlights ways in which employers can leverage the power of social influence to improve health behaviors. 		Dec 03, 2010
Corning's Approach To Duty of Care (Webinar Presentation)
Dr. James Schuppert, M.D., Director, Health Services, Corning Incorporated, explains Corning's Approach to duty of care. 		Dec 02, 2010
Duty of Care (Webinar Presentation)
Patti Clavier, Senior Program Manager, Global Health and Well-Being, Intel Corporation, outlines Intel Corporations programs and efforts to protect employees living and working outside their home country. 		Dec 02, 2010
Use of HgbA1C Screenings (Slide Deck)
The purpose of this survey is to determine how many employers are using the HgbA1C test in their biometric screenings, and how long they have been doing so. In addition, the survey looks at whether any employers have begun to use HgbA1C screenings outside of the U.S. 		Dec 01, 2010
Use of HgbA1C Screenings (Quick Survey Results)
The purpose of this survey is to determine how many employers are using the HgbA1C test in their biometric screenings, and how long they have been doing so. In addition, the survey looks at whether any employers have begun to use HgbA1C screenings outside of the U.S. 		Dec 01, 2010
  Comments to Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on their Initial Guidance to the States on Establishing Exchanges under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Comments and Letters)
The National Business Group on Health submitted comments to HHS' Office of Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight (OCIIO) with recommendations on how to administer the exchanges. 		Nov 23, 2010
Life Insurance Benefits (Slide Deck)
The purpose of this survey was to identify whether employers were offering group variable universal life insurance to any of their employees. Additionally, the survey asked respondents to identify the types of life insurance products that were available to executives. 		Nov 22, 2010
Life Insurance Benefits (Quick Survey Results)
The purpose of this survey was to identify whether employers were offering group variable universal life insurance to any of their employees. Additionally, the survey asked respondents to identify the types of life insurance products that were available to executives. 		Nov 22, 2010
A Backgrounder on Health Care Navigators (Background Information)
Provides an introduction to health care navigation, the perceived benefits and concerns of navigation services, along with a summary table of selected services offered by several companies. 		Nov 19, 2010
Health Care Law Implementation Forum (Webinar Presentation)
Steve Wojcik, the National Business Group on Health's Vice President of Public Policy, will lead an informal discussion and question and answer session focusing on the latest employer plan issues in implementing the various provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. 		Nov 19, 2010
EEOC Issues Final Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Rules for Employers (Policy Alert)
Recently, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) issued final regulations under Title II of the of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 (GINA) 		Nov 18, 2010
Duty of Care of Employers for Protecting International Assignees, their Dependents, and International Business Travelers (Report)
This report provides an overview on duty of care and its relevance to employers. It also includes actionable strategies for employers to consider regarding this topic. 		Nov 17, 2010
Managing the Risks of a Global Workforce: What is Your Duty of Care? (Webinar Presentation)
Suzanne Barber, Chief Operating Officer of the Americas Region at International SOS, presented an overview on duty of care and its relevance to large multinational employers. This presentation includes actionable items for employers to tackle this difficult issue. 		Nov 17, 2010
Agencies Modify Regulations on Grandfathered Plans (Policy Alert)
Recently, the Departments of Labor (DoL), Health and Human Services (HHS), and Treasury (IRS) issued rules that modify the previous regulations on grandfathered plans. 		Nov 16, 2010
Motivating Factors for Healthy Lifestyles (Webinar Presentation)
GFK Custom Research North America recently completed a study of the triggers that lead to sustained behavior change for weight loss and smoking cessation on behalf of the OptumHealth Culture of Health Institute. In this webinar representatives from GFK Custom Research North America and OptumHealth discuss: the key triggers and motivations that drive lifestyle changes; the impact of demographics on behavior change and attitudes toward wellness; how workplace culture and the work environment influence health behavior; and ways to motivate employees to achieve sustained weight loss and tobacco cessation. 		Nov 16, 2010
  Doctors Seek to Delay Medicare Payment Cuts for 1 Year (Washington Business Health Update)
The American Medical Association (AMA) recommended that Congress pass an approximately $20 billion, 1 year (13 months) delay of a planned 24% cut to Medicare physician payment rates scheduled for December 1. 		Nov 15, 2010
  Key House Republican Outlines Health Care Priorities (Washington Business Health Update)
The incoming Chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, Representative Dave Camp (R-MI), recently re-stated his plans to consider a number of Republican health care initiatives (medical liability reforms, expansions to health savings accounts) in the new Congress. 		Nov 15, 2010
  President's Fiscal Commission Co-Chairs Recommend Taxing Employer-Sponsored Coverage (Washington Business Health Update)
An 18-member fiscal commission, appointed by the President and co-chaired by former Clinton Chief of Staff Erskine Bowles (D) and former Senator Alan Simpson (R-WY), released a preliminary summary of initial recommendations, including taxing (fully or partially) employer-sponsored coverage (to finance social security), to balance the federal budget. 		Nov 15, 2010
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Releases Revised Application Form for Early Retiree Reinsurance Program (Policy Alert)
Recently, HHS' Office of Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight (OCIIO) published a revised application with revised "do's and don'ts" for the Early Retiree Reinsurance Program. 		Nov 09, 2010
Health Care Law Implementation Forum (Webinar Presentation)
Steve Wojcik, the National Business Group on Health's Vice President of Public Policy, leads an informal discussion focusing on an early assessment of the impact of the 2010 elections on the health care law and the latest employer plan issues in implementing the various provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. 		Nov 05, 2010
Benefit Communications Benchmarking (Conference Call Highlights)
This month's topic focused on: Evaluating Communications Campaigns and differentiating between wellness and health plan communications 		Nov 04, 2010
Relative Resource Use: The Missing Link in Measuring Health Plans' Value (Webinar Presentation)
This webinar demonstrates how to compare health plans' cost-effectiveness on the treatment of diabetes, asthma, COPD, hypertension and cardiovascular conditions and how relative resource use data illustrate the variations between health plans. It provides examples of how to guide health plan negotiations into collaborative discussions on total value (cost and quality). 		Nov 04, 2010
  What the 2010 Election Means for the Future of the New Health Care Law (Washington Business Health Update)
An analysis of the possible repercussions of the 2010 election for the new health care law. 		Nov 04, 2010
Employer Roundtable Call - Contracting with the Pharmacy Benefit Manager: The RFP Process (Conference Call Highlights)
On this 60-minute call, participants discussed their strategies and challenges related to PBM contracting and how to maximize the employer-PBM relationship through the RFP process. 		Nov 01, 2010
Vision Coverage: An Underappreciated Benefit (Issue Update)
This Critical Issue Update outlines the benefits of vision plans and services, and provides benchmarking data for large employers to use when making comparisons to other programs. 		Oct 30, 2010
  Joint Letter to House and Senate Leaders Recommending that Congress Provides the Highest Level of Funding Increases to the U.S. Public Health Service (Comments and Letters)
The National Business Group on Health along with organizations representing patients and families, health care providers, public health professionals, educators, and scientists sent a letter requesting that Congress provides the highest level of funding increases to the U.S. Public Health Service and its agencies including: National Institutes of Health, the Health Resources and Services Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the Food and Drug Administration, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, and the Indian Health Service. 		Oct 29, 2010
Consumer-Directed Health Care (Conference Call Highlights)
This month's topic focused on: Open Enrollment: New Tactics and Key Learnings 		Oct 28, 2010
  National Business Group on Health's Position Statement on Comparative Effectiveness Research (Position Statement)
The National Business Group on Health supports independent studies comparing the effectiveness of new and existing medical interventions. 		Oct 28, 2010
  National Business Group on Health's Position Statement on Evidence Based Medicine (Position Statement)
Utilizing evidence based medicine will encourage and reward effective care and will promote value and increase quality. 		Oct 28, 2010
  National Business Group on Health's Position Statement on Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) (Position Statement)
Employers are concerned about inappropriate use and administrative difficulties with the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). 		Oct 28, 2010
  National Business Group on Health's Position Statement on Flexible Spending Accounts (Position Statement)
A simple and modest change in tax regulations for flexible spending accounts will benefit employees and support patient-driven health care. 		Oct 28, 2010
  National Business Group on Health's Position Statement on Health Care Legal Reform (Position Statement)
Healthcare legal reform needed now. 		Oct 28, 2010
  National Business Group on Health's Position Statement on Health Care Quality and Patient Safety (Position Statement)
Oct 28, 2010
  National Business Group on Health's Position Statement on Health Information Technology (Position Statement)
Health Information Technology (HIT) is essential for modernizing our current health system to improve quality, patient safety, affordability, and efficiency. 		Oct 28, 2010
  National Business Group on Health's Position Statement on Mandated Paid Sick Leave (Position Statement)
The National Business Group on Health opposes a paid sick leave mandate that would raise labor costs, reduce global competitiveness, increase unemployment, jeopardize existing leave benefits, and limit employers' flexibility to design leave benefits packages for their unique workforces. 		Oct 28, 2010
  National Business Group on Health's Position Statement on Medicare Advantage (Position Statement)
The National Business Group on Health strongly supports a stable and successful Medicare Advantage program. 		Oct 28, 2010
  National Business Group on Health's Position Statement on Medicare Pay-For-Peformance (Position Statement)
Federal and State Government health programs, employers, and health plans (purchasers) should implement pay-for-performance. 		Oct 28, 2010
  National Business Group on Health's Position Statement on Prescription Drug Importation (Position Statement)
The National Business Group on Health believes that the increasing number of Americans resorting to prescription drug importation represents a symptom of a much larger problem that needs to be addressed -- the unsustainability of rising health care costs in the U.S., including that of prescription drugs. 		Oct 28, 2010
  National Business Group on Health's Position Statement on Preventive Services (Position Statement)
Payment systems, Government policies, and market incentives should refocus efforts on disease prevention. 		Oct 28, 2010
  National Business Group on Health's Position Statement on Primary Care (Position Statement)
The healthcare delivery system should be focused on primary care. 		Oct 28, 2010
  National Business Group on Health's Position Statement on Transparency (Position Statement)
Oct 28, 2010
  National Business Group on Health's Position Statement on Wellness and Tax Policy (Position Statement)
National Business Group on Health's Position Statement on Employee Wellness Programs and Tax Policy 		Oct 28, 2010
  Letter to Senate Majority Leader Reid (D-NV) and House Speaker Pelosi (D-CA) Supporting Increased Funding for the Agency for Health Research and Quality (AHRQ), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) & the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (Comments and Letters)
The National Business Group on Health sent a letter supporting funding increases in the FY 2011 Appropriations bills for AHRQ's work in patient safety and comparative effectiveness; CDC's work in prevention and wellness; and the FDA's work in monitoring and evaluating drug, device, and food safety. 		Oct 26, 2010
Prescription Drug Safety: 10 Tips for Your Protection (Employee Tip Sheet)
This tip sheet provides employees with 10 medication safety recommendations. 		Oct 25, 2010
Health Care Law Implementation Forum (Webinar Presentation)
Steve Wojcik, the National Business Group on Health's Vice President of Public Policy, will lead an informal discussion and question and answer session focusing on the latest employer plan issues in implementing the various provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. 		Oct 22, 2010
A Randomized Trial of a Telephone Care management Strategy (Webinar Presentation)
Dr. David Wennberg , Chief Science Officer, Health Dialog, presents a randomized controlled trial of 174,120 individuals just published in the New England Journal of Medicine. This study demonstrates how an innovative combination of telephone coaching and multi-media decision support can empower patients and reduce hospitalizations by more than 10%. 		Oct 19, 2010
Free Is Not Enough: How to Educate Employees on Preventive Health Services Plan Design (Top Solutions)
Suggests several strategies that employers can use to encourage employees to take advantage of free access to preventive services. 		Oct 19, 2010
The Department of Labor Clarifies More Questions on Health Care Law (Policy Alert)
The Department of Labor (DoL) responded to a number of questions employers have on the grandfathered plan rules, the conflict between rescissions and COBRA, the preventive benefits requirements for non-grandfathered plans and the treatment of dental and vision plans. 		Oct 19, 2010
Wellness Champions: Local Advocates for Healthy Living (Issue Brief)
Highlights common themes that are beginning to emerge related to the selection of wellness champions, their responsibilities, compensation and employer support tactics. 		Oct 19, 2010
Final Health Reform Law Provisions (Chart)
A chart that provides key details of the final health care law's provisions 		Oct 18, 2010
Louie and Louise: Lowe's Mobile Health Screening Vans (Issue Brief)
This document describes Lowe's Companies, Inc.'s mobile health screening program and offers tips for companies interested in implementing a similar program. 		Oct 18, 2010
Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act: Timeline of Key Employer Provisions (Chart)
A chart highlighting the timeline of key employer issues in the final health care law. 		Oct 18, 2010
IRS Delays W-2 Health Benefits Reporting Requirement (Policy Alert)
Recently, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) delayed the new health care law's requirement that employers report the cost of health benefits on employees' W-2 forms. 		Oct 13, 2010
  Support Letter for Dr. Richard Gilfillan as the Director of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMI) (Comments and Letters)
The National Business Group on Health sent a support letter for Dr. Richard Gilfillan as Director of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMI) to incorporate any "best practices" or "lessons learned" from the CMI into the entire Medicare program. 		Oct 12, 2010
Health Care Law Implementation Forum (Webinar Presentation)
Steve Wojcik, the National Business Group on Health's Vice President of Public Policy, will lead an informal discussion and question and answer session focusing on the latest employer plan issues in implementing the various provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. 		Oct 08, 2010
  Comments to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on Establishing Exchanges under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Comments and Letters)
The National Business Group on Health submitted comments to HHS' Office of Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight (OCIIO) Regarding Exchange-Related Provisions in the Affordable Care Act. 		Oct 04, 2010
Employee Texting and Phone Use While Driving Can be Costly to Business (Fact Sheet)
This fact sheet explains the hazards of distracted driving and offers employer strategies to ensure employee safety even while outside the workplace. 		Oct 01, 2010
  House Republicans' "Pledge to America" Would Repeal Parts of the New Health Care Law (Washington Business Health Update)
House Republicans unveiled their "Pledge to America," which would repeal parts of the health care "reform" law and replace most of it, if they win the majority of House seats in November. 		Oct 01, 2010
  Study Finds New York City's Proposed Paid Sick Time Ordinance Would Increase Employers' Costs By $789 Million Annually (Washington Business Health Update)
An employer-commissioned study found that a proposed ordinance introduced by New York City Council member Gail Brewer (D) to mandate that employers provide up to 72 hours (9 days a year) of paid sick time would directly add $789 million in increased annual payroll costs, 60% of which would fall on employers who already offer paid leave that would not be credited under the proposal, i.e. Paid Time Off (PTO), etc. 		Oct 01, 2010
  Comments to HHS Secretary on Quality Activities in Calculating Medical Loss Ratio under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Comments and Letters)
The National Business Group on Health submitted follow-up comments to the HHS Secretary on which activities should be included to improve quality related to the calculation of Medical Loss Ratio (MLR) under the Affordable Care Act. 		Sep 30, 2010
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Identifies Claims Not Eligible for Early Retiree Reinsurance Program (Policy Alert)
Recently, HHS issued additional guidance on specific items and services, which Medicare generally does not cover, that HHS will exclude for reimbursement or credit to the $15,000 cost threshold for the Early Retiree Reinsurance Program (EERP). 		Sep 30, 2010
Building Effective Strategies for Consumer-based Health Care Communication (Webinar Presentation)
Hesham Sheikh, Project Leader, Healthcare Benefits & Programs, and Kelly Conroy, Leader, Marketing & Communications, General Electric Company explain how GE launched an aggressive communications campaign to educate 90,000 employees, pre-65 retirees and their dependents about full replacement CDHPs and how GE prepared them to make their benefit elections at open enrollment. 		Sep 29, 2010
  Child and Adolescent Mental Health: Roundtable Discussion for Experts (Report)
On September 29, 201