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HVBF Monthly Meeting - Human Resources
Roundtable Host: Loyola College in Maryland Attending: Lynn Argenbright, Pacific Life & Annuity Company Ed Greenbaum of Aon Consulting continued our series of discussions about healthcare issues. The increasing cost of healthcare and the changing methods of delivery have been of concern to the business community. Ed convinced us that the solutions are not simple and the choices for employees and employers are becoming more complex. Healthcare is moving from employer directed to consumer directed. The progress is slow and the plans offered are numerous and difficult for some to understand. The plans that offer the greatest amount of consumer choice are finding acceptance with very large companies employing more than a thousand workers. The plan providers are targeting the largest companies initially. Smaller companies with as few as several hundred employees are finding it not as attractive as traditional healthcare plans, although this will change over time. Even large companies are experiencing a relatively small acceptance of these plans among their employees. These plans require a certain degree of sophistication. Allowing customizing coverage on the Internet is a feature not fully acceptable to all workers. The education process is slow. Companies in Maryland with fewer than fifty employees still will fall under Maryland Small Group Plans. The face of healthcare offered to workers is changing rapidly. We will continue to bring you informational-based discussions during the growth of these products. Ed Greenbaum can be reached at 410-547-2978 or at ed_greenbaum@aoncons.com. First time attendees Christine Walters and Ed Paterline were welcomed. |