Latest on How Employers Are Preparing (Reacting) to Health Reform

As the dust begins to settle on what actually was passed in health reform, employers are reacting and beginning to prepare to deal with what appears to lie ahead. Greatest concern is being voiced over extending dependent coverage to age 26; extending coverage to part-time employees that work 30 hours/week; caps on FSAs; and the elimination of tax deductability for Mediare Part D subsidies for retiree health plans and on lifetime and annual limits, all of which will increase employer costs.

But many say the version that passed is less onerous than previous versions with delays in implementation of controversial issues including the excise tax on "cadillac" plans and the inclusion of some positives in terms of payment & quality demonstrations. Plus, employers "dodged" the strong employer mandate that had been in the House bill.

In addition to all of these changes, and more, employers will take on additional administrative tasks, which, as we all know, end up costing employers significantly in compliance issues.

Read these two article to get a feel for how employers are preparing and reacting as the dust begins to settle.
Click here for "Employers Scamble to Catch Up with Health Reform's Immediate Impact" and here to read "Benefit Managers Eye Impact of Health Reforms".

The VA Saves $3 Billion over 10 Years with HIT Systems

The VA system reports that implementing health information technology has saved them $3billion from 1997-2007 through reductions in duplicated tests and medical errors, as well as operating efficiencies. Technology implemented included computerized patient records, bar coded medications, radiology, laboratory and medication ordering. Imagine the savings we could have in Memphis if all of our systems implemented these same technologies!!! Quality of care also improved during this period. You can track Memphis hosptial progress in implementing computerized provider order entry for medications by reviewing The Leapfrog Hospital Survey results here (see "Prevent Medication Errors"). We have a long way to go in this area. Methodist Healthcare indicates that Methodist North and Le Bonheur are now operational and the remainder of the system should be operational by 2011.

Click here to read an article about the VA experience.

MBGH Celebrates the Spirit of Memphis

Get into the Spirit of Memphis!!! Our city, heritage, music, food, culture, people...our spirit...is what makes us great. Celebrate it!!

More on How Health Reform Impacts Employers: Latest from SHRM

Click here to get the latest on how health reform impacts employers. Includes SHRM April 5, 2010 HR Week Health Reform Update. Please note, some of the links on SHRM's update are for SHRM members only.

Resource for Employers to "Navigate Health Reform"

The Groom Law Group slides presented at the American Benefits Council on March 31, 2010 are a good resource to navigate the recently passed health reform legislation and identify what self-insured as well as insured plans must do to comply. Click here to access the slides as well as other resources on health reform.

Employers: Focus on These Aspects of Health Reform NOW!!!

Click here to hear Steve Wojcik, vice president of public policy for the National Business Group on Health, offer his take on what employers should have top of mind between now and when the biggie components of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act take effect in 2014 and 2018.

MBGH Says: Real Cost Reform is Still to Come

Memphis Business Group on Health's work is highlighted in the April 1, 2010 Memphis Business Quarterly blog. The posting focuses on the need for real cost reform -- saving dollars and improving quality by preventing things that should not happen and improving health and saving dollars by doing things we should be doing to take better care of ourselves.

There is also a link to the Leapfrog Hospital Survey results for Memphis hospitals.

Check the Memphis Business Quarterly blog out regularly for other Memphis business-related postings.