Meadowlands Regional Chamber Healthcare Blog

tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59664152861424797202012-02-11T06:19:09.775-05:00Meadowlands Regional Chamber Healthcare BlogMeadowlands Regional Chamber Healthcare Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00228336084746067808noreply@blogger.comBlogger871100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966415286142479720.post-60239492395699889342011-02-14T19:19:00.002-05:002011-02-14T19:21:26.689-05:00What is long term care insurance?

By Irene Card, NorthJersey.com -- Continuing on our them of long term care insurance, today's article will explain to you just how long term care policies are structured. Long term care insurance is designed to pay you a daily or monthly benefit when you need substantial assistance for 90 days or more with two out of six activities of daily living: Eating, bathing, dressing, toileting,

Meadowlands Regional Chamber Healthcare Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00228336084746067808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966415286142479720.post-78552301728919810252011-02-14T19:19:00.001-05:002011-02-14T19:21:11.056-05:00What is long term care insurance?

Meadowlands Regional Chamber Healthcare Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00228336084746067808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966415286142479720.post-24715025138197451002011-02-14T01:13:00.002-05:002011-02-14T01:15:48.099-05:00Health Law Provision Raises Antitrust Concerns

by Robert Pear, NYTimes.com -- The new health care law encourages collaboration by doctors and hospitals for cost savings, but a split has developed here as to just how far they can go without running afoul of antitrust laws.An influential Republican member of the Federal Trade Commission, J. Thomas Rosch, said that without “vigorous antitrust enforcement,” the new alliances of health care

Meadowlands Regional Chamber Healthcare Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00228336084746067808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966415286142479720.post-60388665846434468782011-02-14T01:02:00.001-05:002011-02-14T01:12:08.600-05:00GOP Seeks to Block Funding for Health Law

by Janet Hook, The Wall Street Journal -- House Republicans will use a stopgap spending bill coming to the floor next week as a vehicle to block money for the new health-care law, a top lawmaker said Tuesday.The latest push to neutralize the legislation, confirmed by House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, (R., Va.), comes on the heels of an earlier effort to repeal the law. That passed the House but

Meadowlands Regional Chamber Healthcare Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00228336084746067808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966415286142479720.post-5757462968120465252011-02-07T23:57:00.000-05:002011-02-07T23:59:04.947-05:00Sen. Weinberg criticizes N.J. commissioner's delay of implementation of health laws

by Susan K. Livio, NJ.com -- New Jersey Health and Senior Services Commissioner Poonam Alaigh declined to testify before the Senate health committee today. Chairwoman Loretta Weinberg (D-Bergen) said she would call a hearing based on the commissioner's schedule to discuss why a handful of laws have not been implemented.Weinberg invited the commissioner a week ago to discuss why the state had

Meadowlands Regional Chamber Healthcare Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00228336084746067808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966415286142479720.post-36893605076380981452011-02-07T23:53:00.001-05:002011-02-07T23:54:51.180-05:00Senate rejects GOP-led bid to repeal healthcare law

By Noam N. Levey, LATimes.com -- Senate Democrats on Wednesday turned aside a bid by Republicans to repeal the new healthcare law, in the first Senate test of the sweeping overhaul that President Obama signed in March.The 47-51 party-line vote on a procedural motion came two weeks after House Republicans pushed a repeal resolution through that chamber.And it ended the first chapter of the GOP

Meadowlands Regional Chamber Healthcare Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00228336084746067808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966415286142479720.post-85768744649579675322011-02-04T01:03:00.001-05:002011-02-04T01:06:24.467-05:00Christie vetoes bill to expand Medicaid to more women seeking family-planning services

By Susan K. Livio, NJ.com -- Gov. Chris Christie today vetoed a bill that would have expanded the Medicaid program to more women seeking family planning services, saying it would be "financially irresponsible'' to spend more on a program running a $1 billion deficit.The veto sparked bitter remarks from female lawmakers and clinics operators who said the governor once again put his conservative

Meadowlands Regional Chamber Healthcare Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00228336084746067808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966415286142479720.post-7229936259253276102011-01-31T16:08:00.000-05:002011-01-31T16:10:28.618-05:00U.S. recovers $4 billion from health-care fraud cases

By Amy Goldstein, The Washington Post -- The government recaptured a record $4 billion last year from pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, doctors, nursing homes and other providers of care that defrauded federal health-care programs, the Obama administration reported Monday.Administration officials also called attention to new federal rules intended to prevent fraud - or detect it early - that

Meadowlands Regional Chamber Healthcare Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00228336084746067808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966415286142479720.post-42186276514880327452011-01-28T03:35:00.000-05:002011-01-28T03:37:31.517-05:00Prospects for Private Health Insurance

By Reed Abelson, NYTimes.com -- One of the major concerns about the new health care law is whether it will usher in the demise of employer-based coverage, which is the source of insurance for the bulk of working Americans today.A new report from Booz & Company, the management consulting firm, suggests that much of the worry that private health insurance will disappear is misplaced.The report,

Meadowlands Regional Chamber Healthcare Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00228336084746067808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966415286142479720.post-21362787767176804352011-01-26T03:45:00.003-05:002011-01-26T03:48:36.024-05:00Regulators have little power over health insurance rate increases

The healthcare law lets the Department of Health and Human Services set standards as to what constitutes an 'unreasonable' increase. But it doesn't give regulators any new powers to reject a proposed increase before it's implemented.By Michael Hiltzik, LATimes.com -- Big, powerful industries facing tougher government oversight — the health insurance industry, say — know that the legislative

Meadowlands Regional Chamber Healthcare Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00228336084746067808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966415286142479720.post-69021288187842846972011-01-23T18:20:00.002-05:002011-01-23T18:25:09.906-05:00Adding Clarity to Health Care Reform

By Richard H. Thaler, NYTimes.com -- NOW that House Republicans have voted to repeal health care reform, in full knowledge that their bill has no chance of passing in the Senate, much less avoiding a presidential veto, it is time for constructive action. There is an opportunity to improve health care and reduce uncertainty, a Republican mantra.Perhaps the most unpopular feature of the health care

Meadowlands Regional Chamber Healthcare Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00228336084746067808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966415286142479720.post-18182935759833055602011-01-21T14:14:00.000-05:002011-01-21T14:15:11.204-05:00N.J. judge upholds law requiring public workers to pay for health care

By The Associated Press , NJ.com -- Public employees who challenged a requirement to start paying toward their health insurance have lost a round in court.Mercer County Superior Court Linda Feinberg issued a pair of rulings today upholding a law requiring public workers to pay 1.5 percent of their salary toward health care.Police and firefighters

Meadowlands Regional Chamber Healthcare Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00228336084746067808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966415286142479720.post-36292673526259100202011-01-20T04:04:00.001-05:002011-01-20T04:07:36.699-05:00N.J. Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield to make doctors responsible for preventative health care

By Susan K. Livio, NJ.com -- Thousands of Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield members who live in northern and central New Jersey should expect their doctors to start checking in with them, even before they get sick.Horizon Healthcare Innovations, a subsidiary of Horizon, the state’s largest health care provider, has enlisted 63 primary care physicians to provide "patient centered medical homes" to

Meadowlands Regional Chamber Healthcare Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00228336084746067808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966415286142479720.post-61169470259140739562011-01-20T03:57:00.000-05:002011-01-20T04:00:37.175-05:00House votes to repeal year-old health care law

By Herb Jackson, The Record -- New Jersey Republicans and Democrats relied on shaky and sometimes contradictory statistics to argue the dangers and benefits of last year's sweeping overhaul of health insurance before the GOP-dominated House voted to repeal it Wednesday.The 245-189 party-line vote was largely symbolic because the House bill has almost no chance of passing the Democrat-dominated

Meadowlands Regional Chamber Healthcare Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00228336084746067808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966415286142479720.post-55752172418788998922011-01-18T12:33:00.000-05:002011-01-18T12:34:55.979-05:00House kicks off debate over health-care repeal

By Felicia Sonmez, The Washington Post -- The House meets Tuesday for its first day of debate on a measure that would repeal the national health care overhaul, following a week during which legislative action came to a standstill following the Tucson shooting tragedy.Debate on the health care repeal bill is expected to begin after the House reconvenes at 2 p.m. The House has set aside seven hours

Meadowlands Regional Chamber Healthcare Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00228336084746067808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966415286142479720.post-54022767890436345502011-01-14T02:34:00.000-05:002011-01-14T02:38:03.393-05:00U.S. Chamber of Commerce says economy is improving, but healthcare law must go

by Jim Puzzanghera, The LATimes.com -- The head of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce struck an optimistic tone Tuesday about the direction of the economy and the Obama administration's approach to the business community. But he warned that Washington must do more to expand trade, cut the deficit and reduce regulations -- including repealing the controversial healthcare overhaul."The state of American

Meadowlands Regional Chamber Healthcare Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00228336084746067808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966415286142479720.post-57432286824704691182011-01-11T23:35:00.000-05:002011-01-11T23:37:08.220-05:00Christie may propose cutting Medicaid spending, employee benefits to help close $10.5B budget gap

By Bloomberg News, NJ.com -- New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie may propose cutting Medicaid spending and employee benefits to help close a $10.5 billion budget deficit, even as he considers contributing $512 million to the state’s underfunded pension.The 48-year-old chief executive, who joined 28 other Republican governors asking President Barack Obama and

Meadowlands Regional Chamber Healthcare Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00228336084746067808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966415286142479720.post-991825042769267012011-01-08T20:24:00.001-05:002011-01-08T20:28:38.779-05:00A Talk With the Doctor May Help Patients Afford Care

By Walecia Konrad, The New York Times -- Readers of this column have been advised more than once to negotiate prices with health care providers for things like an M.R.I. scan, surgery and office visits. With patients paying more out of pocket for their health care than ever before — in the form of higher co-payments and co-insurance, high deductibles and uncovered and out-of-network treatments —

Meadowlands Regional Chamber Healthcare Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00228336084746067808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966415286142479720.post-6391796577630829062011-01-07T14:39:00.002-05:002011-01-07T14:42:06.319-05:00Cost of healthcare repeal put at $230 billion

by Noam N. Levey, LATimes.com -- The Congressional Budget Office's latest analysis on the effect a repeal of the overhaul would have on the federal deficit may pose a challenge to GOP efforts to dismantle the law. House Speaker John Boehner dismisses the estimate.The Republican plan to repeal the healthcare law would drive up federal deficits by $230 billion by 2021, the nonpartisan Congressional

Meadowlands Regional Chamber Healthcare Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00228336084746067808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966415286142479720.post-19049773729378464792011-01-06T12:57:00.001-05:002011-01-06T12:59:37.712-05:00U.S. health-care expenditures up only 4 percent in 2009, suggesting effects of recession

By Amy Goldstein, The Washington Post -- The nation's expenditures on health care in 2009 grew by 4 percent, the smallest increase in at least a half-century, according to new federal figures that suggest Americans stinted on medical services as they lost jobs and insurance in the recent recession.Although health insurance premiums rose slightly faster than they did a year earlier, overall

Meadowlands Regional Chamber Healthcare Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00228336084746067808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966415286142479720.post-72129296155027596752011-01-06T10:12:00.003-05:002011-01-06T10:15:34.887-05:00Pro / Con: The fairness of health insurance incentives

By Brendan Borrell, Special to the Los Angeles Times -- Many employers offer discounts to workers who take steps toward better health. This can cut costs and encourage wellness, but it could also penalize those who can't make the changes and yet will pay more in premiums.Wanna make a fast buck? Quit smoking. According to the National Business Group on Health, which represents large employers

Meadowlands Regional Chamber Healthcare Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00228336084746067808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966415286142479720.post-63865886719284438922010-12-31T03:00:00.000-05:002010-12-31T03:02:08.459-05:00N.J. to get $8.8M in federal money for child health coverage

by The Associated Press, NJ.com -- New Jersey will get nearly $8.8 million in federal "performance bonus" money for its efforts to enroll more children in government health insurance programs.U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced the award on Tuesday.New Jersey is among 15 states being rewarded for increasing the number of uninsured children enrolled in Medicaid and

Meadowlands Regional Chamber Healthcare Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00228336084746067808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966415286142479720.post-79721283322983877962010-12-28T02:18:00.002-05:002010-12-28T02:23:11.746-05:00More small businesses are offering health benefits to workers

By Noam N. Levey, LATimes.com -- Major insurers around the country are reporting that a growing number of small businesses are signing up to give their workers health benefits, a sign of potential progress for the nation's battered healthcare system.The increase, although not universal, has brought new security to thousands of workers, many of whom did not have insurance or were at risk of losing

Meadowlands Regional Chamber Healthcare Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00228336084746067808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966415286142479720.post-70512421460299829382010-12-22T00:23:00.001-05:002010-12-22T00:26:48.922-05:00Feds fire warning shot to health insurers

by CNN.com/health -- Health insurance companies trying to bump up rates by more than 10 percent will have to answer to federal regulators, according to a new plan announced by Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius Tuesday. The proposed rule explains how the government will oversee insurers as required by the massive health care bill – the Affordable Care Act – that was signed

Meadowlands Regional Chamber Healthcare Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00228336084746067808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966415286142479720.post-47545277743944759572010-12-21T01:01:00.003-05:002010-12-21T01:09:03.711-05:00N.J. lawmakers approve bill pushing Gov. Christie to submit federal application for family planning services

By Susan K. Livio, NJ.com -- Thousands of working women who lack health insurance would gain access to subsidized family planning services under a bill that won final legislative passage today with some unexpected bipartisan support.In August, Gov. Chris Christie, a Republican, vetoed an earlier version of this Democrat-sponsored bill, saying he refused to spend money that had not been part of

Meadowlands Regional Chamber Healthcare Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00228336084746067808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966415286142479720.post-29213498453229528822010-12-19T18:06:00.000-05:002010-12-19T18:07:33.575-05:00Double bind on health reform

by Sarah Kliff, Politico.com -- Republican lawmakers on the state level are largely against the new health reform law—but they aren’t against all of the behemoth legislation.Virginia dominated headlines this week when a federal judge ruled the individual mandate to buy insurance unconstitutional on Monday. Much less noticed: the very next day, a task force appointed by Republican Gov. Bob

Meadowlands Regional Chamber Healthcare Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00228336084746067808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966415286142479720.post-17318804527087525722010-12-14T22:49:00.001-05:002010-12-14T22:52:08.750-05:00Judge Voids Key Element of Obama Health Care Law

By Kevin Sack, NYTimes.com -- A federal judge in Virginia ruled on Monday that the keystone provision in the Obama health care law is unconstitutional, becoming the first judge to invalidate any part of the sprawling act and ensuring that appellate courts will receive contradictory opinions from below.The judge, Henry E. Hudson of Federal District Court in Richmond, said the law’s requirement

Meadowlands Regional Chamber Healthcare Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00228336084746067808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966415286142479720.post-27189336693850739052010-11-30T02:17:00.004-05:002010-11-30T02:23:15.741-05:00Practical Matters: Time to evaluate Medicare Advantage plans

By Tammy Worth, Special to the Los Angeles Times -- Two years ago, Ruth Collins found herself in a quandary. The primary-care doctor she'd been seeing for 17 years was not covered by her Medicare Advantage plan, a private Medicare plan. Instead, her health insurer tried to send her to other physicians and the insurers wouldn't accept some charges by the provider. Luckily, there were other options

Meadowlands Regional Chamber Healthcare Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00228336084746067808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966415286142479720.post-67751932476180657042010-11-30T02:10:00.000-05:002010-11-30T02:11:50.424-05:00Changes in Medicare for 2011

by Irene Card, NorthJersey.com -- Our first concern is always the premium. We do not pay a premium for Part A but we do pay for Part B. Part B covers our medical expenses, laboratory, durable medical equipment, etc. If you sign up for Part B in 2011, your premium will be $ 115.40 monthly and it will be deducted from your Social Security check.The premium is based on income and this premium is for

Meadowlands Regional Chamber Healthcare Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00228336084746067808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966415286142479720.post-5735307303516609702010-11-27T13:46:00.001-05:002010-11-27T13:50:14.028-05:00Administration Unveils MLR Rules

Politico (11/23, Haberkorn) reports, The Obama administration on Monday outlined rules to restrict health insurers' spending beginning next year, a key provision of the health care overhaul that aims to improve value for consumers. These "rules will have vast implications for how insurance companies spend money as well as for other aspects of the health care industry. President Barack Obama, in

Meadowlands Regional Chamber Healthcare Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00228336084746067808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966415286142479720.post-75843562381973470802010-11-22T19:41:00.000-05:002010-11-22T19:43:18.338-05:00New law's health insurance regulations could mean rebates for consumers

By Julie Appleby, Kaiser Health News (LATimes.com) -- Millions of Americans might be eligible for rebates starting in 2012 under regulations released Monday detailing the health care law?s requirement that insurers spend at least 80 percent of their revenue on direct medical care. Insurance plans covering more than 50 people must spend at least 85 cents of every dollar on care.The regulations

Meadowlands Regional Chamber Healthcare Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00228336084746067808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966415286142479720.post-14976108413029595282010-11-22T19:35:00.001-05:002010-11-22T19:38:39.809-05:00Companies urging employee health assessments

By Barbara Williams, The Record -- Do you smoke? Exercise? How many servings of vegetables do you eat each day? How many alcoholic drinks do you have in a week?These are just a few of the questions found on health risk assessments that a growing number of North Jersey employers are asking workers to fill out if they want to be covered by the company health plan.Some companies are offering

Meadowlands Regional Chamber Healthcare Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00228336084746067808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966415286142479720.post-31839586223816967542010-11-14T23:10:00.002-05:002010-11-14T23:15:53.264-05:00Employers ready to raise the stakes for health incentives

by Lisa Zamosky, LATimes.com -- Your employer wants you to stop smoking and lose some weight. And the boss is willing to sweeten the pot if you succeed. There's a new twist to corporate wellness programs: Increasingly, employers want to see concrete results before they reward you with premium breaks on your health benefits or with cash and gift cards.In a September survey of 466 large to midsize

Meadowlands Regional Chamber Healthcare Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00228336084746067808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966415286142479720.post-51298365781641071322010-11-12T03:39:00.004-05:002010-11-12T03:44:15.458-05:00Health-Care Tax Relief for the Self-Employed

This year a new law will let solo business owners fully deduct health insurance premiums for the first time. Here's how it works. By Karen E. Klein, Businessweek.comI heard that I can deduct my health insurance costs because I run my own business. Is this part of the health-care reform bill? How does it work? —P.J., Pasadena, Calif.If you are self-employed and your business is a sole

Meadowlands Regional Chamber Healthcare Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00228336084746067808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966415286142479720.post-25690397548574783732010-11-08T01:22:00.001-05:002010-11-08T01:25:40.212-05:00Retiring? What about your health insurance?

By Irene Card, The Record -- Approaching retirement requires planning. Next to your income, health insurance is the most important issue to explore because you certainly do not want to have a period in your life when you are not insured for medical care. Your options for health insurance depend upon your age.Under 65If you are under the age of 65 and planning to retire, you should first check

Meadowlands Regional Chamber Healthcare Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00228336084746067808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966415286142479720.post-42291055983486530132010-10-23T15:50:00.003-04:002010-10-23T15:54:26.222-04:00How FSAs, HRAs & HSAs are impacted starting 1/1/2011

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) of 2010 will change the rules for purchasing over-the-counter (OTC) medicines or drugs using Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), Health Reimbursement Accounts (HRA) or Health Savings Accounts (HSA).The popularity of accounts like FSAs is driven by tax-saving benefits for both employees and employers. A typical employee can expect to save $420

Meadowlands Regional Chamber Healthcare Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00228336084746067808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966415286142479720.post-38398026913846229142010-10-08T02:13:00.002-04:002010-10-08T02:16:26.310-04:00Working While Sick: An Epidemic?

By Kaitlin Madden, TheWorkBuzz.com -- Yesterday, a group of leaders in the food service industry gathered in Washington, D.C. to discuss the alarming findings of a new survey. The study, conducted by Restaurant Opportunities Centers United, found that two-thirds of restaurant workers go to work when sick.While the study sheds light on some serious underlying issues in the food service industry —

Meadowlands Regional Chamber Healthcare Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00228336084746067808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966415286142479720.post-55735961022834255082010-10-05T03:57:00.000-04:002010-10-05T04:00:23.807-04:00CBHCare offers free community screening program

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been receiving greater attention in recent years as reports of the high incidence of the disorder among soldiers returning from deployment in Iraq has increased awareness and research of this condition. However, soldiers are not the only people who can develop PTSD. PTSD affects approximately 8 percent of the United States population, with between a

Meadowlands Regional Chamber Healthcare Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00228336084746067808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966415286142479720.post-44852268923869746162010-10-01T13:48:00.000-04:002010-10-01T13:49:51.510-04:00First Wave of Insurance Reforms Go into Effect

On Sept. 23, 2010, the first set of consumer protections in health insurance included in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (federal health care reform) went into effect. These protections include:• Prohibiting denials or limits on coverage or benefits for children under age 19 who have a pre-existing condition. This will benefit children living with mental illness who are covered by

Meadowlands Regional Chamber Healthcare Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00228336084746067808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966415286142479720.post-54343642723622861122010-09-08T02:48:00.000-04:002010-09-08T02:49:47.310-04:00Employees Are Paying a Larger Share of Health Insurance Coverage

According to a new survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation, workers are paying on average 14%, or $482, more toward the cost of family health coverage in 2010 than they did in 2009.Since 2005, workers' contributions to premiums have gone up 47 percent, while overall premiums rose 27 percent, wages increased 18 percent, and inflation rose 12 percent.According to the survey, Many employers are

Meadowlands Regional Chamber Healthcare Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00228336084746067808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966415286142479720.post-44031501958441759292010-09-08T02:46:00.000-04:002010-09-08T02:47:18.236-04:00Secretaries Sebelius and Duncan Announce National Coalition to Enroll Uninsured Kids in Health Care

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and U.S. Department of Education Secretary Arne Duncan highlighted last Friday the Connecting Kids to Coverage Challenge to enroll five million children in Medicaid and CHIP within five years. Since Sebelius announced the Challenge last February, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) have built an unprecedented

Meadowlands Regional Chamber Healthcare Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00228336084746067808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966415286142479720.post-72164398580865549652010-08-28T20:00:00.002-04:002010-08-28T20:05:39.393-04:00Small Businesses Skip the Health-Care Tax Credit

by David Lerman and Liz Smith, Businessweek.com -- Sales are off by 20 percent this year at Image Computer, which repairs printers in suburban Detroit. So President Steve Olis is worried about whether he can continue paying the $71,000 a year it costs him to provide health insurance for his employees. The Obama Administration's answer for Olis and other small-business owners: a tax credit of as

Meadowlands Regional Chamber Healthcare Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00228336084746067808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966415286142479720.post-36040995674956859702010-08-06T01:16:00.001-04:002010-08-06T01:27:11.347-04:00Health coverage doesn’t alter tax status

The Record -- Last spring's overhaul of health care coverage has spurred recent tax-related questions. Here with answers is IRS tax specialist Jesse Weller.Q. Under the new health care reform plan, I was told you will be able to cover your dependents up to age 26. Will I now be able to claim "Head of Household" on my federal income taxes for my dependents up to age 26? Currently, I can only claim

Meadowlands Regional Chamber Healthcare Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00228336084746067808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966415286142479720.post-84042159871574341952010-08-06T01:04:00.003-04:002010-08-06T01:08:49.257-04:00How to Choose an HMO or PPO plan

Bizjournals.com -- The quality of a company's health insurance plan can be a key factor in retaining employees, but providing medical coverage is a significant expense - especially for companies with 50 or fewer employees.A survey by America's Health Insurance Plans, an industry trade group in Washington, D.C., found small-group coverage in 2006 averaged $312 per month for single coverage and

Meadowlands Regional Chamber Healthcare Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00228336084746067808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966415286142479720.post-42875056710441613642010-07-11T22:29:00.002-04:002010-07-11T22:36:52.878-04:00OSHA proposes revisions to the walking-working surfaces and personal protective equipment standards for General Industry

Sunny Corona, CSPCustom Safety ServicesThe proposal describes revisions to the current Walking-Working Surfaces and Personal Protective Equipment ( Fall Protection Systems) standards for General Industry. For example, the current Walking-Working Surfaces standard, for General Industry, allows employers to provide outdated and dangerous fall protection equipment such as lanyards and body belts.

Meadowlands Regional Chamber Healthcare Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00228336084746067808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966415286142479720.post-8338375182414611462010-07-02T01:59:00.003-04:002010-07-02T02:10:25.893-04:00Health Care Reform and Employer Sponsored Wellness Programs

By: Daniel C. Ritson, Esq.Hertzen, Burstein, Sheridan, CevascoBottinelli, Litt & Harz, L.L.C.Sweeping health care reform was signed into law by President Barack Obama on March 23, 2010. The health care reform law contains new provisions regarding wellness programs that will hopefully result in renewed and increased interest in such programs. Two such provisions may be of particular interest to

Meadowlands Regional Chamber Healthcare Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00228336084746067808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966415286142479720.post-51503421508019576042010-07-02T01:54:00.002-04:002010-07-02T01:59:39.655-04:00New Rule to Restrict NJ Small Employers Healthcare Options

By: New Jersey Business & Industry Association Small employers will have their ability to buy multiple health insurance plans for employees curtailed in the next few months. Currently, many small employers choose to offer their employees more than one health insurance plan. This might be a lower cost HMO and a more expensive point of service (POS) plan with an out-of-network option.The rule

Meadowlands Regional Chamber Healthcare Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00228336084746067808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966415286142479720.post-26965421907416502672010-06-10T20:16:00.003-04:002010-06-10T20:34:41.555-04:00Interactive Calculator: Health Reform Helps Small Businesses

By Sonia Sekhar Center for American ProgressOur current health care system creates particular challenges for small businesses. But the new Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act provides various forms of relief for small businesses that often struggle to pay for their employees’ health coverage. In fact, recent guidance released by the Department of Treasury—included in this updated

Meadowlands Regional Chamber Healthcare Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00228336084746067808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966415286142479720.post-26326197368080383922010-06-04T14:47:00.001-04:002010-06-04T14:50:58.854-04:00New rule will limit number of plans an employer can offer

Small employers will have their ability to buy multiple health insurance plans for employees curtailed in the next few months. Currently, many small employers choose to offer their employees more than one health insurance plan. This might be a lower cost HMO and a more expensive point of service (POS) plan with an out-of-network option.The rule change made by the New Jersey Small Employer

Meadowlands Regional Chamber Healthcare Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00228336084746067808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966415286142479720.post-54746077819884659902010-06-01T15:50:00.001-04:002010-06-01T15:54:41.579-04:00Health Care Reform and Employer Sponsored Wellness Programs

Sweeping health care reform was signed into law by President Barack Obama on March 23, 2010. The health care reform law contains new provisions regarding wellness programs that will hopefully result in renewed and increased interest in such programs. Two such provisions may be of particular interest to employers and employees:• Beginning in 2011, certain smaller employers can take advantage of

Meadowlands Regional Chamber Healthcare Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00228336084746067808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966415286142479720.post-19361937171376596072010-05-27T00:25:00.002-04:002010-05-27T00:33:57.298-04:00Healthcare reform costs shift to cash-strapped states

Reuters.comNow that healthcare reform is becoming a reality, states are sorting out how they will pay for two of the plan's major components that will rest largely on their shoulders at the same time they are pulling out of a long economic downturn. A study released on Wednesday uncovered one bright spot for paying for Medicaid, the healthcare plan for the poor administered by the states and paid

Meadowlands Regional Chamber Healthcare Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00228336084746067808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966415286142479720.post-48838348167661860032010-05-25T02:00:00.001-04:002010-05-25T02:04:46.163-04:00Bribe your workers to be healthy

By Sonya Stinson, CNNMoney.com -- Want to reward -- or bribe -- your workers for healthy lifestyle choices? Provisions in the new reform law offer aid, and even some cash, to small businesses that run wellness and prevention programs for their employees.Starting next year, the law authorizes grants totaling $200 million over five years for small companies that start wellness programs focused on

Meadowlands Regional Chamber Healthcare Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00228336084746067808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966415286142479720.post-26022584858046751242010-05-23T19:30:00.002-04:002010-05-23T19:37:46.785-04:00Tax Credit to Pay Third of Small-Business Health Cost (Update1)

By Drew Armstrong, Businessweek.com (Bloomberg) -- As many as four million small businesses in the U.S. may qualify for tax credits to recover more than a third of the cost of providing medical care for employees, under a program created by the health overhaul law.Businesses with less than 25 full-time employees each will be eligible, according to a U.S. Treasury Department fact sheet made public

Meadowlands Regional Chamber Healthcare Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00228336084746067808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966415286142479720.post-78978927912282842852010-05-21T05:13:00.002-04:002010-05-21T05:19:23.999-04:00Healthcare Issues (An NJBIA Issue Network)

Small employers will have their ability to buy multiple health insurance plans for employees curtailed in the next few months. Currently, many small employers choose to offer their employees more than one health insurance plan. This might be a lower cost HMO and a more expensive point of service (POS) plan with an out-of-network option. The rule change made by the New Jersey Small Employer

Meadowlands Regional Chamber Healthcare Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00228336084746067808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966415286142479720.post-79015578523505845792010-02-24T15:40:00.002-05:002010-02-24T17:01:25.172-05:00Mental Health Association in New Jersey, Inc.; Tool Kit for Mental Health in the Workplace

INTRODUCTION TO THE MENTAL HEALTH TOOL KITEmotional wellness is an integral part of overall wellness, and a well adjusted workforce is a more productive workforce. This Mental Health Toolkit is designed for your organization as a FREE resource to assess the overall mental wellness of your organization and to aid employees who may be struggling with mental health concerns.The 5 part Tool Kit

Meadowlands Regional Chamber Healthcare Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00228336084746067808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966415286142479720.post-85212045826140696412010-02-11T00:19:00.001-05:002010-02-11T00:21:50.590-05:00Small businesses sick of healthcare debate

Reuters.comCHICAGO - Amy Nichols, a small business owner, is tired of the healthcare debate and is relieved President Obama has turned his attention toward her biggest concern: access to credit.Nichols, who in 2002 launched Dogtopia - a daycare service for dogs - and grew it into a successful franchise that includes 20 locations, is now hamstrung by tight credit. Several of her newly-minted

Meadowlands Regional Chamber Healthcare Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00228336084746067808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966415286142479720.post-23687790248747726432010-01-19T22:58:00.002-05:002010-01-19T23:01:55.223-05:00House may be considering passing unamended Senate health care measure

From Deirdre Walsh and Dana Bash, CNNHouse Majority Leader Steny Hoyer told reporters he remains "hopeful" that Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley, the Democratic nominee, will defeat Brown.But if she does not, passing the Senate version would be "clearly better than nothing," he said.House Speaker Nancy Pelosi added, "Whatever happens in Massachusetts, we will have quality, affordable

Meadowlands Regional Chamber Healthcare Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00228336084746067808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966415286142479720.post-53523670344180586452010-01-13T23:53:00.001-05:002010-01-13T23:56:08.623-05:00Health Care Debate Divides Small-Biz Groups

Entrepreneur – Daily Dose BlogBy: Carol Tice No issue has polarized the small-business community in recent years like healthcare reform. With Congress back in session, all eyes will be on the lawmakers tackling the daunting task of reconciling the House and Senate versions of the healthcare reform bill.Change won't come fast enough to help small businesses caught in the buzz-saw of steep premium

Meadowlands Regional Chamber Healthcare Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00228336084746067808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966415286142479720.post-52132766480091200382010-01-05T21:55:00.002-05:002010-01-05T22:10:28.884-05:00How to start offering a health plan

bizjournals.com - Small Business CenterHealth care presents a classic conundrum for employers. On the one hand, providing a health plan as a benefit for employees is very expensive, and it costs more every year. On the other hand, if you don't offer health benefits, and your competitor does, you might find yourself watching some of your best potential employees walk out of a job interview and not

Meadowlands Regional Chamber Healthcare Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00228336084746067808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966415286142479720.post-47851122889036370722010-01-05T21:50:00.001-05:002010-01-05T21:54:21.596-05:00What the Senate’s Health Bill Means for Small Business

By ROBB MANDELBAUMNY Times, You're the Boss BlogNow that the Senate is finally on the verge of passing a health care bill within the next day, it’s time for The Agenda to review where the upper chamber has come out on the issues most important to small companies. To get to this point, Majority Leader Harry Reid melded competing bills produced by Senator Max Baucus’s Finance Committee and by what

Meadowlands Regional Chamber Healthcare Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00228336084746067808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966415286142479720.post-25628289991233390772009-12-04T00:00:00.001-05:002009-12-04T00:02:59.415-05:00White House Makes Its Case for Health Reform to Small Businesses

Keith Girard All Business.comWith a vote nearing on the historic health reform legislation, the Obama administration has gone into overdrive in its effort to reach out to small businesses. It wants to assure them that the proposed reforms will not only lower costs, but will allow them to be more competitive in the marketplace.The task, however, has been daunting. The National Federation of

Meadowlands Regional Chamber Healthcare Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00228336084746067808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966415286142479720.post-39803785624932315982009-12-03T23:49:00.002-05:002009-12-03T23:53:41.315-05:00Health care reform would mean more costs for businesses

By Danielle UlmanBusiness WriterDaily Record - BaltimoreKenneth R. Huber of PSA Insurance & Financial Services says there isn’t anything in either the House or Senate version of the health care reform bill that would ‘meaningfully improve care.’ Health insurance requirements could take a radical turn if a health care reform bill ever lands on President Barack Obama’s desk, and that could mean

Meadowlands Regional Chamber Healthcare Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00228336084746067808noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966415286142479720.post-80248298405593664192009-11-28T19:25:00.001-05:002009-11-28T19:28:45.825-05:00Small firms scrapping, scaling back health plans

By DAVID A. LIEB Associated PressFaced with high health insurance costs, a North Carolina brokerage passed the buck on to its employees, a Texas public relations firm switched from group insurance to stipends, and a Missouri travel agency let its workers walk away instead paying for insurance.Across the country, businesses already strapped by the economy to turn a profit are sacrificing or

Meadowlands Regional Chamber Healthcare Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00228336084746067808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966415286142479720.post-15698344561250646942009-11-25T01:38:00.001-05:002009-11-25T01:44:38.511-05:00How Health Insurance Discriminates Against Female-Heavy Business

By Marc TracyBizBox.Slate.comKaiser Health News has a new article detailing how woman-owned or -dominated small businesses tend to get hit particularly hard by high health care premiums. The reason is simple: women, particularly under 55, tend to require more health care than men of the same age, primarily due to maternal and infant care. If you think that means it's okay for women to have to pay

Meadowlands Regional Chamber Healthcare Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00228336084746067808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966415286142479720.post-60213026557661099672009-11-22T14:44:00.002-05:002009-11-22T14:50:59.408-05:00Clipping health costs in the bud

BY CAROL FLETCHERThe RecordAs health insurance premiums skyrocket and small businesses struggle to pay them, insurers are pointing to wellness programs as a way to help offset costs.Through Web sites, health assessments and seminars, wellness programs act as health coaches to turn employees away from smoking and overeating and toward exercising and eating leaner, and to help them track their

Meadowlands Regional Chamber Healthcare Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00228336084746067808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966415286142479720.post-29720472973664379072009-11-22T14:40:00.001-05:002009-11-22T14:42:42.970-05:00Historic health care bill clears Senate hurdle

BY DAVID ESPOThe RecordWASHINGTON — Invoking the name of Edward M. Kennedy, Democrats united tonight to push historic health care legislation past a key Senate hurdle over the opposition of Republicans eager to inflict a punishing defeat on President Obama. There was not a vote to spare.The 60-39 vote cleared the way for a bruising, full-scale debate beginning after Thanksgiving on the

Meadowlands Regional Chamber Healthcare Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00228336084746067808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966415286142479720.post-63811357845621647902009-11-18T01:14:00.001-05:002009-11-18T01:16:05.389-05:00While Feds Debate, Small-Biz Health Care Rates Skyrocket

By: Carol TiceEntrepreneur.com Daily DoseThe whole healthcare-reform debate hit home for me this week. I've been ignoring a large envelope that came from my health insurance agent about a month ago. They left me a sort of ominous-sounding phone message about it, too, but I hadn't had a chance to call back. You know how sometimes when you can smell something bad's up, you just want to avoid it? I

Meadowlands Regional Chamber Healthcare Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00228336084746067808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966415286142479720.post-86023697576357559252009-11-18T01:05:00.001-05:002009-11-18T01:07:50.159-05:00Obama Backs Mandatory Sick Leave Law

By ROBB MANDELBAUMNew York Times - You're the BossThis news from our colleague Steven Greenhouse, a Times reporter who posted on the Economix blog. Swine flu, he writes: has given momentum to Congressional efforts to enact legislation that would guarantee paid sick days to tens of millions of workers — although it is far from clear that such legislation will be enacted. Those legislative

Meadowlands Regional Chamber Healthcare Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00228336084746067808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966415286142479720.post-19201256459182191052009-11-15T23:59:00.009-05:002009-11-16T12:04:07.931-05:00When health insurance costs rise

What businesses can do:• Make sure your broker has shopped around for the best price.• See if you can reduce costs by offering a wellness program.• Ensure that your broker is analyzing your claims to see where the costs and needs are. There may be a cheaper plan for that pattern.• Consider cost sharing: increasing deductibles, copayments, employee contributions.• Talk to other brokers to get

Meadowlands Regional Chamber Healthcare Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00228336084746067808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966415286142479720.post-63432097781471346852009-11-12T13:42:00.002-05:002009-11-12T13:59:18.452-05:00Rothman supports health-care reform

By Susan C. Moeller, Senior ReporterThe Leader(Nov. 12, 2009) — The U.S. House of Representatives voted for the historic “Affordable Health Care in America Act,” Saturday, Nov. 7, at approximately 11:30 p.m.Congressman Steve Rothman, who represents the southern section of Bergen County, was one of the 220 legislators to vote for the bill, HR 3962. Another 215 logged “no” votes.“This is probably

Meadowlands Regional Chamber Healthcare Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00228336084746067808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966415286142479720.post-13034768596602992892009-11-10T23:42:00.003-05:002009-11-10T23:52:24.398-05:00In chronic pain

By Hugh R Morley & Carol FletcherTHE RECORDAs Congress debates the health care overhaul partly aimed at controlling costs, small businesses are facing a dramatic hike in the cost of employee coverage over the next year — squeezing employers already reeling from years of steady, often double-digit increases.Insurance companies are seeking upward of 20 percent more to renew coverage, and as much as

Meadowlands Regional Chamber Healthcare Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00228336084746067808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966415286142479720.post-86239760446221603352009-11-10T23:26:00.003-05:002009-11-10T23:35:54.491-05:00How small business fares under health-reform bill

By Kent Hoover, Washington Bureau Chief, Denver Business JournalMany small business groups oppose the massive health care reform bill that passed the U.S. House of Representatives late Saturday, contending it would raise insurance premiums for many firms and create disincentives for hiring new workers.Some small business owners, however, support the legislation. They think the insurance market

Meadowlands Regional Chamber Healthcare Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00228336084746067808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966415286142479720.post-39788811749961216492009-11-09T01:06:00.003-05:002009-11-09T01:17:45.732-05:00House passes health care reform bill

CNN.comWashington (CNN) -- The House of Representatives on Saturday night passed a sweeping health care bill by a vote of 220-215.With the passage of H.R. 3962, the Affordable Health Care for America Act, proponents of health care reform took an important step forward, but turning the bill into law remains uncertain.It's unclear when the Senate will vote on a version of the health care

Meadowlands Regional Chamber Healthcare Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00228336084746067808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966415286142479720.post-66459833202412695212009-11-09T00:56:00.003-05:002009-11-09T01:06:38.600-05:00Small Employers Struggle to Offer Health Insurance

By John Tozzi, Businessweek.comUnlike most small employers, Boeggeman, George & Corde, a New York law firm with offices in White Plains and Albany, pays full health insurance coverage for each of its 23 employees and their families. At least for now.Premiums are rising so quickly that partner Richard Corde has been grappling for six years with whether to make workers pay part of the cost. In that

Meadowlands Regional Chamber Healthcare Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00228336084746067808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966415286142479720.post-29652304775189492192009-10-19T02:52:00.000-04:002009-10-19T02:55:43.367-04:00A Good Read on Healthcare

The quest to reform the way healthcare insurance is provided to Americans continues as the Senate is closer to finalizing a bill. However, the debate is hardly over as the two chambers of Congress still need to reconcile their differences. For those of you still looking for answers and ideas to send to your representatives, a good place to start is T.R. Reid’s book Healing of America 2009).

Meadowlands Regional Chamber Healthcare Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00228336084746067808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966415286142479720.post-34921286199777590912009-08-14T00:39:00.002-04:002009-08-14T00:44:25.870-04:00Time For Recess

This week the members of the Senate will join their colleagues in the House for a month-long recess from the legislative session. During this summer break, Representatives and Senators are expected to return to their communities and hear from constituents on the issue of health care reform. A media firestorm on this issue is anticipated, as lobbyists and interests groups from all angles ratchet

Meadowlands Regional Chamber Healthcare Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00228336084746067808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966415286142479720.post-45822614861477902842009-06-16T15:22:00.002-04:002009-06-16T15:25:00.820-04:00Health reform is going to happen

There is no doubt about it. Health reform is going to happen. Small businesses are going to reap its benefits. Now is the time to have your say in how this reform takes place. There are many issues, including: • Affordability• Access for All• Private vs. Public Plans• Should a Public Plan mimic Medicare and it’s Gaps• How to Pay for Care• Taxes• Rationing of CareNow is the time to make your

Meadowlands Regional Chamber Healthcare Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00228336084746067808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966415286142479720.post-70832751667297355832009-05-01T12:04:00.007-04:002009-05-04T16:52:40.197-04:00Are You Prepared? About What Do You Really Need To Be Concerned? Comments and Guidance About The Swine Flu

When a new strain of flu emerges that can be spread from person to person, it may be spread rapidly, since many will have no natural immunity to it, and it will take months before a vaccine is developed and distributed. When there are outbreaks of this type of disease in more than one country within a short time period, health agencies use the term “pandemic”. However, this term in no way

Meadowlands Regional Chamber Healthcare Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00228336084746067808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966415286142479720.post-65896663559098714172009-04-06T11:56:00.003-04:002009-04-06T12:12:10.175-04:00New COBRA Legislation Effects Employers with Less Than Twenty Employees

COBRA, also known as the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, is the law that allows former employees to purchase their company's health insurance plan for 18 months if they pay the premiums. If you thought you were exempt from this requirement because the original law only applied to companies with more than 20 employees, listen up. The new legislation that became part of the

Meadowlands Regional Chamber Healthcare Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00228336084746067808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966415286142479720.post-73934822361325245142009-04-06T11:34:00.003-04:002009-04-06T11:40:36.219-04:00Should Our Health Care System be run by the Government or Private Industry?

It’s no secret that our health care system is failing. Ever increasing costs and a growing number of uninsured or under insured make it clear. The issue of reforming our nation’s health care system will dominate much of the policy debate in 2009 and beyond. This system, which accounts for 16 percent of our economy, produces hundreds of life-saving marvels every day, yet fails to provide

Meadowlands Regional Chamber Healthcare Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00228336084746067808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966415286142479720.post-5701069016248752982009-03-06T14:57:00.007-05:002009-03-06T15:23:45.444-05:00Managing STRESS effectively: A fundamental skill for healthy living

We all face stress in our daily lives, managing stress effectively is fundamental to healthy living. When unchecked, excess stress can affect blood pressure, weight, emotional well-being, sleep, and increase one’s risk for heart disease. Therefore, it is important to learn to practice effective coping strategies to improve our awareness and response to stress.Below are some tips and techniques to

Meadowlands Regional Chamber Healthcare Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00228336084746067808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966415286142479720.post-14203504987159380842009-02-05T11:22:00.003-05:002009-02-05T11:40:24.309-05:00Women Urged to “GO RED” to Focus Attention on Cardiovascular Disease

Choosing to ignore your heart health might not seem life changing today, but women are dying of heart disease at the rate of almost one per minute. Luckily, cardiovascular disease is largely preventable. Women simply have to choose to act.Since 2004, the American Heart Association has been running a “Go Red” campaign, aimed to focus attention on Cardiovascular disease, the No. 1 killer of women

Meadowlands Regional Chamber Healthcare Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00228336084746067808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966415286142479720.post-78229770530440378992009-01-21T12:10:00.002-05:002009-01-21T12:18:34.861-05:00OSHA Recordkeeping

If your company is required to comply with the mandated OSHA standard 29 CFR 1904, then reduce your risk of OSHA imposed citations by maintaining the proper and required written OSHA Recordkeeping documents.$5,000 to $7,000 is the unadjusted penalty for failure to report to OSHA the death of any employee or the inpatient hospitalization of three or more employees, from a work-related incident.

Meadowlands Regional Chamber Healthcare Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00228336084746067808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966415286142479720.post-85064638426398170702009-01-17T13:37:00.002-05:002009-01-22T14:05:59.675-05:00A Conversation with David Knowlton, President & CEO of the NJ Healthcare Quality Institute. Fixing Healthcare in NJ

Meadowlands Regional Chamber Healthcare Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00228336084746067808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966415286142479720.post-61781899772094956342009-01-15T14:08:00.007-05:002009-01-22T12:44:43.592-05:00Early Return to Work Programs: The Second Best Tool for Controlling Workers’ Compensation Costs

Why Have an Early Return to Work Program? Second to accident prevention efforts, an Early Return to Work (ERTW) Program is management’s best tool to minimize the financial cost of a Workers’ Compensation claim. The key word is “Early”. Your actions upon notification of illness or injury have a profound impact on the outcome of most cases. ERTW actions should start as soon as possible. Statistics

Meadowlands Regional Chamber Healthcare Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00228336084746067808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966415286142479720.post-66431309558068151542009-01-06T16:34:00.004-05:002009-01-22T12:37:39.632-05:00A Conversation with Christine Stearns: Is there an affordable healthcare solution for sole proprietors?

Meadowlands Regional Chamber Healthcare Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00228336084746067808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966415286142479720.post-14272072269296883302009-01-05T11:18:00.012-05:002009-01-22T12:47:32.539-05:00New Healthcare Guide is Here!

The Meadowlands Healthcare committee has worked to put together a comprehensive healthcare guide which includes a Healthcare Benefit Comparison, Cost Sharing Strategies, NJ Details on the NJ Family Leave Law and a Healthcare Resource Directory. The full Guide can be found online - click here to access the PDF. If you'd like a print copy mailed to you, please email Jaclyn at the Chamber office

Meadowlands Regional Chamber Healthcare Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00228336084746067808noreply@blogger.com0