PlanAhead Direct - November 2003


If this HTML newsletter is not readable or the links do not work, please request the plain text version via e-mail to carolz@bsg.com.

A free monthly newsletter for plan sponsors and employee benefits professionals published by The Benefit Services Group, Inc.	November 2003 Volume 2, Number 8

Health Care Leaders Emphasize Importance of Disease Management Programs EXCERPT: "The AAHP/HIAA report breaks new ground by overcoming limits of previous research to identify DM programs that achieve cost savings. The survey of 10 health plans and 25 different DM programs looked at programs specifically designed for congestive heart failure (CHF), coronary artery disease (CAD), congestive obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), low back pain and end state renal disease (ESRD). The eight evaluations highlighted in the AAHP/HIAA report found that enrollees in DM programs had fewer hospital admissions and fewer emergency room (ER) visits, and lower overall health care costs." Full Article November 6, 2003—American Association of Health Plans Health Policy Alert: California Passes Employer Mandate for Health Insurance Coverage EXCERPT: "With the recent enactment of SB2, the "pay or play" employer mandate in California, employers with 200 or more employees in the state will be required to provide health insurance coverage for their employees and dependents by January 1, 2006." Full Article October 2003—Watson Wyatt Worldwide FDA/U.S. Customs Import Blitz Exams Reveal Hundreds of Potentially Dangerous Imported Drug Shipments EXCERPT: "A recent series of spot examinations of mail shipments of foreign drugs to U.S. consumers conducted by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP or Customs) revealed that these shipments often contain dangerous unapproved or counterfeit drugs that pose potentially serious safety problems." Full Article September 29, 2003—U.S. Food and Drug Administration Canadian Coalition: Joint effort helps get cheaper drugs to U.S. EXCERPT: "In the latest challenge to a U.S. crackdown on the purchase of foreign prescription drugs, six large Canadian pharmacies have joined forces to help U.S. cities and states buy cheaper medications from north of the border. The so-called Super Six Canadian Pharmacies, which collectively serve more than 1 million U.S. customers, say their combined resources will ensure that any U.S. state or city that wants Canadian drugs can get them." Full Article October 31, 2003—Detroit Free Press Experts Differ on Possible Impact of Evidence-Based Consumer-Driven Medicine EXCERPT: "Combining two proposed health insurance reforms - evidence-based medicine and consumer-driven plans - could help control costs while improving quality, if anyone could ever figure out how to do it right, leading experts on the topic conclude." Full Article August 14, 2003—Employee Benefit Research Institute

	Over-the-Counter Medicines: What's Right for You? American medicine cabinets contain a growing choice of nonprescription, over-the-counter (OTC) medicines to treat an expanding range of ailments. OTC medicines often do more than relieve aches, pains and itches. Some can prevent diseases like tooth decay, cure diseases like athlete's foot and, with a doctor's guidance, help manage recurring conditions like vaginal yeast infection, migraine and minor pain in arthritis. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) determines whether medicines are prescription or nonprescription. The term prescription (Rx) refers to medicines that are safe and effective when used under a doctor's care. Nonprescription or OTC drugs are medicines FDA decides are safe and effective for use without a doctor's prescription. Fact is, today's OTC medicines offer greater opportunity to treat more of the aches and illnesses most likely to appear in our later years. As we live longer, work longer, and take a more active role in our own health care, the need grows to become better informed about self-care. FDA and the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) have prepared a brochure to help Americans take advantage of self-care opportunities. The brochure information is available online and in pdf format or you can order free copies in bulk from the address shown at the end of the brochure.

By providing links to other sites, The Benefit Services Group, Inc. does not guarantee, approve or endorse the information or products available at these sites, nor does a link indicate any association with or endorsement by the linked site to The Benefit Services Group, Inc. The preceding is not intended to be and is not offered as legal advice. We are prohibited from the practice of law. Compliance is the responsibility of the employer or Plan sponsor and affected employees, who should seek their own legal counsel regarding questions about information presented in this newsletter. PlanAhead Direct is a monthly newsletter provided free of charge to select BSG® client representatives and associates. View and search back issues at www.bsg.com/news/index.htm. To comment on newsletter content, write to tessr@bsg.com. If you would like to change your subscription address, or request a plain text version, please e-mail your request to carolz@bsg.com. Copyright 2003 The Benefit Services Group, Inc. BSG® is a registered trademark of The Benefit Services Group, Inc.	W226 N887 Eastmound Dr., Suite F Waukesha, WI 53186 tel 262-521-5700 fax 262-521-5710 www.bsg.com