| VOLUME 3 | ISSUE 3 | SUMMER 2011 | http://www.rmpllc.biz |
What a year it has been so far in the healthcare world! We're still 16 months before the presidential election, and healthcare is among the most important agenda items debated today. The top three priorities may be jobs, jobs, and jobs; however, jobs are driven by the economy, and healthcare is a major economic driver, representing 17% of the U.S. economy.Fundamentally, we've retained an employer-based system of health insurance. The national debate on healthcare reform is far from over, so I encourage employers to be proactive. In addition to exerting influence on our elected officials, you must stay firmly engaged in managing your own healthcare costs — which is where Risk Management Partners can help. Email or give me a call at 610-975-4415 for ways to save.
| David Edman Managing Partner Risk Management Partners LLC |
Which Employer Groups Can Save the Most Money?
Everyone would prefer to have "rich" benefits, or so-called Cadillac healthcare coverage. Why not? More coverage is better than less. Lower copayments are better than higher copayments. Free choice of providers is better than having to seek approvals and referrals. All of the above are true, but they drive up costs. To control healthcare costs, your choices are: a) reduce benefits to reduce costs or b) buy smarter. So, in this month's feature article, you'll find an example of a company that was spending $20 million on healthcare and where we found a potential of $5 million in savings. Plus, we tell you exactly where your greatest opportunities exist for future healthcare savings. Read more.Is a Health Savings Account (HSA) in Your Future?
I remain a strong advocate for HSAs and consumer-driven healthcare (CDHC). Note the following important trends:- Enrollment in HSAs reached 11.4 million in 2011, an increase of 14%.
- HSAs are gaining popularity in all populations — families with children, older couples approaching retirement, and people at all income levels.
- U.S. congressional support for HSAs continues to grow.
Health Reform Corner
Though the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) was signed into law by President Obama in March 2010, the debate over its implementation, and the future of health reform in the United States rages on. The PPACA may yet be revised, repealed, defunded, or declared unconstitutional. Click here for the latest developments in health reform, as well as to see a great video from Kaiser — "Health Reform Hits Main Street." Read more.
| In This Issue |
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Welcome from David Edman | ||
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Employer Groups With the Most to Save | ||
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Is a Health Savings Account (HSA) in Your Future? | ||
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Health Reform Corner | ||
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Health Tip: Summer Eating Habits | ||
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Contact Us | ||
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| Summer Eating Habits. Summer is synonymous with vacations, time off from work, and making the most of leisure time. Unfortunately, it's also when we are most tempted to eat caramel popcorn, indulge in pies and custard, and just let our guard down as we socialize with friends and family. The bad news is that the added walk or workout will not undo the damage from our indulgences. Plan your vacations smartly. Limit eating out and you'll be able to keep your resolutions. Remember, a waistline over 36 inches wide (male or female) will place you at higher risk for heart disease and diabetes. Look good and feel good — see the "Your Best Summer Body Cheat Sheet" from WebMD. Finally, make your vacation be about reducing stress and increasing activity, and you'll be one step closer to a healthier you! Read more. |
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About RMP
RMP draws on more than three decades of experience inside the healthcare industry, using a risk-management approach to create smarter purchasers and consumers of healthcare — exposing wasted spending and helping clients get consistent maximum value for their health-care dollar.
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David Edman, Managing Partner
175 Strafford Avenue, Wayne, PA 19087
610-975-4415
http://www.rmpllc.biz
© 2011 Risk Management Partners LLC. All Rights Reserved. This newsletter produced by FulcrumTech, LLC.