How to inject consumerism into your existing health plans

Consumerism seeks to create a behavior change on the part of consumers so that they become accountable, knowledgeable and actively engaged in managing their health. It can be used in any existing health plan through targeted plan design changes and consumer education efforts. Employers have many options in addition to consumer-directed health plans (CDHPs).     

A review of dental plans: PPOs and referral plans to dominate future

This important benefit has changed greatly in the last 20 years. Double-digit health care cost increases in the late 1980s caused indemnity plans to evolve into network plans, such as dental HMOs and PPOs. PPOs and referral or access plans now seem to be the plans of choice.     

Reserve funds key to keeping health plans fiscally fit

To avoid an economic roller coaster ride, plan sponsors should establish an appropriate financial reserve during the good times to provide a safety net during the bad. Because no law expressly requires multiemployer health funds to maintain reserves, each fund's needs should be determined by its trustees, in consultation with professional advisors. This article explores the role of reserves in helping plans to prepare for various needs and contingencies.