Hear the Bill

Working voice actors have donated their time to make it possible to listen to the Health Care Bills now before Congress and Senate. The actors are each from different political backgrounds, philosophies and regions of the country. They have no agenda other than to make it easier for listeners to know exactly what lawmakers are proposing and to foster "an educated citizenry, a civil discourse, a more perfect union."  Download the audio and listen to it as you would an audio book, whenever it's convenient for you.

Fact Sheet on Health Insurance Plans' Coverage of H1N1 and Seasonal Flu Shots (PDF) 

Employee Benefit Research Institute  

The approach of the seasonal flu season and warnings about an H1N1 (swine) flu pandemic have raised the questions: Does employment-based health coverage typically include flu shots? Will insurers cover H1N1 shots when they become available? 

Healthy Families Act sparks healthy debate

Ceridian Connection

Fueled by the threat of pandemic flu and the state of the U.S. economy, a particular piece of legislation is causing a healthy debate among legislators, trade associations and human resource professionals -- the Healthy Families Act.  The Healthy Families Act (HR 2460) would require employers with as few as 15 employees to provide paid sick leave to full- and part-time employees as a "day one" benefit. This would guarantee employees one paid hour off for each 30 hours worked, making it possible for for them to earn up to seven paid sick days per year.

Study Finds Americans Know Little About Generic Prescriptions

A new survey by Prescription Solutions, a pharmacy benefit management organization under UnitedHealth Group, found that many Americans still have limited understanding when it comes to the cost, ingredients and effectiveness of generic drugs. The study also confirmed that the current economic crisis is affecting consumer prescription drug use.
 
Dr. Jacqueline Kosecoff, chief executive officer of Prescription Solutions, said, "Using generics helps make healthcare more affordable without compromising results. Many Americans erroneously believe that the most expensive drug is always the most effective drug, so by helping to change perceptions, we can help people save money and still get the best treatment available."