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HVBF Monthly Meeting - Human Resources
Roundtable Host: Msg. O’Dwyer Retreat House Attending: Bill Boden, Executive H.R. The meeting opened with Gary Meyerl introducing Father Kevin Mueller, the new Director at the Msg. O’Dwyer Retreat House. Father Kevin welcomed us to the beautiful facility and gave us the history of the facility and its current use as a youth activities center. The welcome was as warm as the cheering fire in the fireplace. This was a Roundtable to share our experiences in managing ever-increasing costs in health care insurance. Steve Thaler, Ed Greenbaum and Bill Boden each gave us an over-view of the health care insurance climate today. Steve Thaler distributed copies of an article he contributed to the Daily Record last September titled “ The current state of health insurance.” All are resigned to increasing costs but all search for ways to contain those costs. The declining number of carriers was noted as well as the quality of administrators’ performance. The smallest groups are particularly hard hit because of their limited options. Mary Ellen Judy was our facilitator as we went around the room to describe the types of coverage offered, the extent of employee cost sharing and the costs to each participant. Employee response to high premiums with low co-pays and deductibles was compared to low premiums with high co-pay and deductibles. The lack of participation by employees in Section 125 plans and in flexible spending accounts was of particular concern. The probable cause is lack of understanding. Mary Ellen Judy distributed the schedules for next year with the invitation for those who would like to have a Roundtable at their company to contact her. HVBF will furnish the light breakfast. |