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

Employers Expect Rate of Increase in Health Benefit Costs to Slow in 2006
EXCERPT: "Although health care cost increases have declined steadily since 2002, U.S. per capita spending on health care remains twice that of many other industrialized countries. In addition, the increase in health benefits prices continues to outpace the rate of growth in wages and other business costs." Full Article

Employers’ Anticipated Median Annual Health Care Benefit Cost Increase  (for current employees)

February 15, 2006—Watson Wyatt Worldwide


Express Scripts Study Details Potential Savings From Generic Drug Use
EXCERPT: "A new study from Express Scripts finds that, by increasing use of generic drugs in only six therapy classes, U.S. employers, health plans and their members could have saved more than $20 billion in 2004."   Full Article
February 27, 2006—Express Scripts


Make Copayments Work for You
EXCERPT: "Typically, patients pay about 50% of a generic drug’s cost. However, they pay only 25% of the cost of a brand drug. This discrepancy misleads patients regarding the relative cost of brand drugs and their generic equivalents. It also limits the copayment differential between brands and generics.

By aligning patients’ cost share for brands and generics ― the percentage they pay for each ― you can accomplish two desirable objectives. You can help patients realize the true cost of brand drugs relative to generics. At the same time, you will encourage generic adoption."   Full Article
February 27, 2006—Express Scripts


Website Profile: Change Of Status.com
EXCERPT: "Change Of Status.com is here to help you cut through the clutter. We have created a dynamic, easy-to-use, three-step tool to help you determine the possible actions an employee can take given a change of status during a plan year. Just use the pull-down menus which begin on the homepage of this site. When you are finished, you will be presented with possible actions an employee can take as determined by federal rules and regulations. Additionally, nearly every action has at least one qualifying event that must be adhered to for the action to be legal and relevant. These qualifiers are also included.

Please note that the results displayed after using the Change of Status tool are generically based on § 125-4 rules and regulations and do not replace your plan documents!"
 

Food Portions:
One Size Doesn't Fit All

As Americans, we often underestimate how many calories we are consuming each day, sometimes by as much as 25%!*

One of the best ways to keep your calories and your weight under control is to pay attention to your portion sizes. Earlier this year, the United States Department of Agriculture introduced new guidelines for the amount of food you should consume each day. The "My Pyramid"** guidelines are different than the previous food pyramid guidelines because they target your individual needs. The new guidelines are based on your age, gender and activity level. It's easy to figure out how much you should be eating of what foods.

Simply visit mypyramid.gov. After you provide your information, "My Pyramid" will help you choose the foods and amounts that are right for you. "My Pyramid" can help make sure your meal plan fits your body!

Sources:

* "Weight Loss: Controlling How Much You Eat," WebMD, Edited by Charlotte Grayson, MD, Reviewed by the Department of Nutrition Therapy at The Cleveland Clinic, August 2004

** "My Pyramid," MyPyramid.gov, United States Department of Agriculture

This material is provided for your general information only and is not intended as medical advice. For more information and answers to health concerns, consult your physician or other health care professional.

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 2006 The Benefit Services Group, Inc. BSG® is a registered trademark of The Benefit Services Group, Inc.

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