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

Employers Lean Toward Health Account Options
EXCERPT: "The survey, conducted by the Greater Milwaukee Annual Report on Health Care, showed 11 percent of the 178 companies responding to the online survey implemented a health reimbursement arrangement or health savings account for 2005, and 35 percent have a definite interest in doing so."
Entire Story
September 23, 2005—The [Milwaukee] Business Journal


The November 15, 2005 [Medicare Part D: ] Prescription Drug Notice Deadline is Approaching
EXCERPT: "The Medicare Part D regulations require that ALL plan sponsors of health plans providing prescription drug benefits
must provide a certificate of creditable coverage to all plan participants who are eligible for Medicare Part D. This
obligation applies to every group health plan providing prescription drug benefits, even if the plan does not provide for
retiree health or drug coverage."  Entire Story
October 21, 2005—Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren s.c.


Good Health Pays Off! The Fundamentals of Health Promotion Incentives
EXCERPT: "Incentives are widely used in employer health promotion programs because they can have powerful behavioral effects. If the incentive rewards and rules are well designed, it is possible to produce a significant change in behavior for a significant percentage of the target population. Incentives are also valued because they can be flexible, relatively simple to comprehend, and easy to administer. Additionally, multiple incentive rewards can be combined to increase their motivational ability, for example, combining a tangible reward (cash) with an intangible reward (recognition)."  Entire Story
October 7, 2005—cca•strategies


Higher Benefit Costs, New Plan Designs, Highlight Open Enrollment Season
EXCERPT: "Here are six major trends that benefits experts at Watson Wyatt, which consults with large employers on their health care benefit and open enrollment programs, have identified for this year’s season." Entire Story
October 5, 2005—Watson Wyatt Worldwide

Germ Stopper

The CDC germstopper web site is a resource for tips, tools, and facts. Download printable posters or sprinkle some of these fast facts into company communications to help stop the spread of germs.

Some viruses and bacteria can live from 20 minutes up to 2 hours or more on surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs, and desks. (Ansari, 1988; Scott and Bloomfield, 1989)

Nearly 22 million school days are lost annually due to the common cold alone. (CDC)

When you wash your hands—with soap and warm water—wash for 15 to 20 seconds. That's about the same time it takes to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice. (CDC)

Antibiotics will not cure upper respiratory viral illnesses, such as: colds or flu, most coughs and bronchitis, sore throats not caused by strep, and runny noses. (CDC)

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 2005 The Benefit Services Group, Inc. BSG® is a registered trademark of The Benefit Services Group, Inc.

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