Considering an HSA? Get an Early Start on Planning and Communications
Industry surveys indicate that enrollment in health savings accounts (HSAs) is surging. According to figures from America’s Health Insurance Plans; a national trade association, more than 1 million people were covered by HSAs as of March 2005, doubling the enrollment figures from six months earlier.
Employers considering adding an HSA shouldn’t let these figures make them complacent about implementation and communication strategies. HSAs are both complex and different from the type of health insurance coverage employees are used to, and require a more consumer-conscious attitude toward the use of health care services. Employers introducing HSAs must realize this, and plan their implementation timetable and communications accordingly.
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Medicare Part D: Consequences for Employers of New Prescription Drug Benefit
In January 2006, Medicare-eligible individuals will have a new voluntary prescription drug benefit available under Medicare Part D. Employers that currently provide retiree health coverage will be impacted by Medicare Part D. In addition, employers who have active employees that are Medicare-eligible and are covered by employee group health plans will also be affected.
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Employees More Willing to Accept Limited Provider Choice to Save Money
The percentage of Americans willing to trade provider choice for lower out-of-pocket costs has increased in the past few years. This is due in part to the higher health care costs employees have experienced as employers passed on a portion of the cost increases associated with more expensive, open access plans. This finding, from a national study by the Center for Studying Health System Change, was consistent across varied income groups, and held even for those with chronic health care conditions.
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EAPs Are an Overlooked Resource for Employees Facing Substance Abuse Issues
Alcohol and drug abuse and addiction are recognized problems in America, and their damage reaches far into the workplace. In a nationwide survey conducted by the Hazelden Foundation,* 36 percent of employees said that at least one of their co-workers had been distracted, less productive, or missed work because of an alcohol or drug addiction problem in their family. Furthermore, 69 percent said that if a family member were grappling with substance abuse issues, this would negatively affect their concentration at work. And, among the 26 percent who reported an addiction in their family, 42 percent admitted that it negatively impacted their workplace performance.
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