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

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

A Prescription for Workers' Health: Employers Open In-House Clinics to Trim Costs and Boost Preventive Care
EXCERPT: "Freddie Mac opened a full-scale clinic at its McLean campus, run by part-time doctor and a full-time nurse practitioner that offers services that include free physicals, allergy shots, pregnancy tests and general consultations."  Full Article
October 9, 2006—Washington Post Online

Consumer-Driven Health Plans See Meager Enrollment Gains, Kaiser Report Finds
EXCERPT: "Consumer-driven health care, the logic went, would be a natural fit for Americans, the most practiced consumers of goods and services in the world. But so far these consumers have not bought into consumerism."  Full Article
October 30, 2006—Workforce Management Online

Benefits Trends Identified for 2007
EXCERPT: "U.S. workers can expect to see more financial incentives, new benefit choices and greater scrutiny of dependent coverage in the upcoming open enrollment season, according to benefits consultants at Watson Wyatt Worldwide, a consulting firm."  Full Article
October 5, 2006—World At Work - Workspan Weekly

Employers Are Cracking Down on Who is Eligible for Dependent Healthcare Coverage
Employers are watching for the practice of sneaking in a dependent on a health plan. Some firms say the number of dependents enrolled in plans who are not truly eligible for coverage is likely much higher than the estimate of 6% to 8%, and one columnist for The Washington Post describes an audit that company performed to make sure insurance dependents were qualified for coverage.
Full Article
October 28, 2006—Boston.com/The Boston Globe

allaboutthebenefits.com

If your workforce includes young 20-somethings or recent high school grads, steer them to a website designed just for them. No, we're not talking about myspace.com. This site is from Aetna and Financial Planning Association.

The home page states, "If you have recently graduated from high school or college and are on your way into the workforce, you've got a lot of important decisions to make — including figuring out your health benefits options — to keep you feeling and looking your best.

allaboutthebenefits.com gives you the information you need to make better health benefits choices."

The site has a youthful look and feel and offers information via podcast and video. Click on the title above to check it out.

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. 

To comment on newsletter content, change your subscription address, or request a plain text version, please e-mail your request.

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

N25 W23050 Paul Rd.
Pewaukee, WI 53072-4078
tel 262-521-5700
fax 262-521-5710
www.bsg.com