Editor’s Picks, April 21, 2009
Employees Step Up Use Of Health Benefits.
lifeandhealthinsurancenews.com, April 17, 2009
The recession is forcing employers to increase cost-sharing approaches as plan participants increase their use of the benefits out of fear they might lose them, a new survey finds.
(Read More)
Recession Changing Benefits Design, Usage: Survey.
businessinsurance.com, April 17
“The financial crisis has led some to conclude that health care and the economy are inextricably linked. You can’t separate one from the other,” said Sally Natchek, senior director of research of the IFEPB, in a statement. (Read More)
What Happens to Your HSA if You’re Laid Off.
kiplinger.com, April 16, 2009
There’s good news for people with health savings accounts: Unlike funds in your flexible spending account, the money in your HSA remains yours even after you lose or leave your job. So you don’t need to rush to the eye doctor or dentist to drain the account before your job is terminated. (Read More)
Insurers and Agents Oppose a Tax on Health Benefits, but Experts Disagree on How It Would Impact Employer-Based Coverage.
aishealth.com, April 17
Health insurers, brokers and agents are resisting a proposed tax on the value of health benefits received by employees in order to finance a comprehensive health reform package. The industry contends that such a tax would greatly undermine the employer-based health insurance system. (Read More)