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A free monthly newsletter for plan sponsors and employee benefits 
professionals published by The Benefit Services Group, Inc.

Web Site Helps Clarify Life Events
EXCERPT: "The goal of this site is to help simplify and minimize the confusion involved in an employee's change of status (sometimes called a "life event") as it pertains to their various healthcare benefit plans."
Full Article
March 2004—DataPath Inc.

2004 Segal Health Plan Trend Survey
The 2004 Segal Health Plan Trend Survey presents 2004 cost trend projections for medical plans, prescription drug plans and dental plans. Abstract and full report in PDF format are available.
Full Article
The Segal Company

Message From Employees to Management: Tell It to Us Straight
EXCERPT: "Based on the survey responses, it’s clear that employees, like shareholders, lenders and potential investors, are looking for greater transparency from their employers. They want the facts, just the facts, says the survey report, Enhancing Corporate Credibility — Is It Time to Take the “Spin” Out of Employee Communication?"
Full Article
January 2004—Towers Perrin

Most Companies Mix Outsourcing and Insourcing to Optimize Benefits Administration 
EXCERPT: "Despite interest in the total outsourcing of corporate functions, very few companies completely outsource their employee benefits administration, according to a new study by Watson Wyatt Worldwide. Instead, most firms use a combination of internal and external resources to administer their retirement and health care plans, and they are largely satisfied with their results."
Full Article
February 26, 2004—Watson Wyatt Worldwide 

President proclaims National Employee Benefits Day

President Bush wants Americans to celebrate health and welfare plans. He has proclaimed April 2 "National Employee Benefits Day" in honor of the 50th anniversary of the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans (IFEBP). 

"Employee benefits and retirement security are important to all our citizens," he wrote in a letter applauding the nonprofit IFEBP for its service in educating the public about employee benefits. "Americans can help secure their own future by saving, and government must support policies that promote and protect this path to independence for Americans in all phases of their lives." 

CEO Michael Wilson says he's "pleased" President Bush has "recognized the importance of the role of trustees, plan administrators, benefits managers and advisors"—a role he believes is growing in importance. IFEBP has a tip sheet for employers on communicating the value of employee benefits, which is posted at www.ifebp.org. 

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/PADirect/index.htm. 

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Copyright 2004 The Benefit Services Group, Inc. BSG® is a registered trademark of The Benefit Services Group, Inc.

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