 Agent and Consultant Briefing
November 2009 |
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QualityCounts Inpatient Hospital Report |
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In the next few weeks we'll be releasing the 2009 QualityCounts Inpatient Hospital Report. As with previous reports, it provides cost and quality information on the hospitals that participate with The Alliance. As with last summer's QualityCounts™ Outpatient Procedures and Tests Report, Alliance members and the individuals in their health plan can find it through our Provider Directory at our Web site.
By putting it here, we hope to make looking for cost and quality information part of the equation while searching for care. Now when a person checks here to see which providers are in network before scheduling a hospital procedure, they can also learn more about the cost and quality of those providers for that specific procedure. By linking the two we hope that potential patients will make decisions using the information from QualityCounts.
As with the QualityCounts™ Outpatient Procedures and Tests Report, released last May, the report is only available online. As both reports include sensitive information about the health care providers we contract with, they are only available to those who enroll in medical benefit plan(s) which access The Alliance. Anyone else needing access to the report will be asked to sign an Access Request Form and Nondisclosure Agreement. Back to top |
Seasonal Flu Shots in Short Supply |
By now you have likely heard about the nationwide shortage of seasonal flu vaccines. As in other areas of the country, many vendors have not been able to get the vaccine and are having to postpone onsite flu clinics. One expected cause of the shortage is the focus on H1N1 this year. Many manufacturers did not send as much of the seasonal flu vaccine out to vendors as requested, or are concentrating on sending H1N1 doses first. This is expected to be a temporary shortage and should be resolved by November or early December. Any onsite flu shots which were originally scheduled for early this season are expected to be rescheduled when the seasonal flu vaccine becomes available at this time. Because the seasonal flu has not yet peaked here, and is expected to do so in February, offering a flu shot clinic in November or December will still allow protection for this flu season. We will continue to work with our seasonal flu vendor partners to stay up-to-date on the latest information and will be sure let members know when supplies become available. We will also be glad to help members schedule flu shot clinics as supplies become available. If you have questions, please contact Michele Gjertson or 800.223.4139 x 6607. |
| Annual Meeting Wrap-up |
As you know, we recently held our 2009 Annual Meeting, which included a year-end review, election of the board of directors, and an intriguing look at the politics of health reform. If you haven't yet, download a copy of the presentations and an executive summary of the event today. Those who were in attendance will also find additional handouts from the American Benefits Council, including a comparison of the coverage and revenue provisions in the current proposals.
The membership voted on a bylaw change to temporarily retain the current number of board seats, which is 12. This bylaw was originally amended in 2006, and stood until December 2009. The following members were re-elected to serve as representatives of the board at the Annual Meeting:
Wendy Culver, SPHR, Human Resources Director, Mead & Hunt
Pat Whitmore, Vice President of Human Resources, HUFCOR, Inc.
Vikki Brueggeman, Director of Human Resources, Zimbrick, Inc.
Angel Tullar, Manager of Employee Relations, School District of Janesville
We're pleased to recognize these members for their exceptional leadership, support of, and service to The Alliance. Annual Report Now Available on the WebA copy of the 2009 Alliance Annual Report was also handed out at the Annual Meeting. Members who were not able to attend will receive a copy of the report in the mail along with a summary of the meeting. You can also review the report here. Back to top |
| Health Policy Alert: Implications for ERISA |
ERISA, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, established a federal framework of regulation through the U.S. Department of Labor governing employer health and retirement plans. As health reform efforts continue in Washington many have been questioning the effects any legislation may have on ERISA. Read our latest Legislative Brief on the topic.
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| National Network Access for those Outside The Alliance Service Area |
The Alliance's partnership with National Health Benefits Corporation (NHBC) provides a cost-effective solution for national network coverage for employees who travel or have dependents living in locations outside The Alliance service area.
The National Access Program includes deep discounts and a large number of available hospitals, facilities and physicians.
Guarantee to Alliance Members
As part of The Alliance's partnership with NHBC, the National Access Program offers significant savings, extensive access, and superior customer satisfaction. We have also secured guarantees that protect members from lost discounts and ensure that third-party administrators process claims accurately, meet customer service standards and provides accurate information about provider availability.
Learn more about the National Access Program and these guarantees.
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| Worker's Compensation: Healthy People at Work |
We can help members struggling with the costs of workers' compensation claims. By providing access to The Alliance's comprehensive, cost-efficient network of providers members can manage these claims' costs. Savings vary from employer to employer, but participants in the Healthy People at Work program experience average gross savings of 30.1% on compensable billed charges. Learn more or contact Jesse Oberloh, 800.223.4139 x 6645. |
| Watch Your Mailbox |
In the next few days you'll be receiving more information on Health Solutions, Ltd.® our new partner for offering comprehensive wellness solutions. Customized options are available to allow Alliance members to choose the program level that fits their need. Our partnership allows you to offer Health Solutions, Ltd.® to mutual clients at a 15 - 25 percent discount.
As members sign on we'll be sponsoring user groups to help members get the most out of the partnership. For more information about Health Solutions, Ltd.® watch your mailbox or contact Bobbi Jones, 800.223.4139, x 6638.
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| Building Our Cooperative |
Please welcome our newest members:
Geiger Automotive Group
Geiger Automotive Group of Belvidere, Ill. has recently joined The Alliance. Geiger Automotive is a consortium of car dealerships predominantly located in Northern Illinois and Wisconsin. Each location sells a variety of cars that may include names of Ford, Chevy, Honda and many others. Dealerships in Wisconsin include: Brodhead Chevrolet, Beaver Dam Ford, Evansville Ford, GM Super-Center in Lake Geneva, Alphorn Ford, Lincoln & Mercury, and Monroe Auto.
United Cooperative
United Cooperative, incorporated in 1936, is a full-service cooperative offering feed, grain, agronomy, and energy products to south-central Wisconsin farmers and consumers. The company exists to provide its patron members with the best possible value and return on investment, backed by exceptional service and professionalism. The United Cooperative main office is located in Beaver Dam, Wis. United Cooperative is a former member of The Alliance, that is returning back to the Cooperative.
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| News You Can Use |
The Alliance highlights health care and benefit management news for employers in News You Can Use with a link to take you to the original story or report.
- A New Day in Employee Benefits Finds Budgets Flat in 2009
A new study released by Prudential found that about one-third of employers are keeping budgets at 2008 levels. The study includes information on what cost-containment methods are gaining ground.
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| Quality Counts ™ for Employees |
The 2009 QualityCounts Inpatient Hospital Report will be released in the next few weeks. Members can use this piece to let their employees know about it. They can find this and other pieces in the QualityCounts toolkit in the Employer Resource Center.
To access, members visit www.the-alliance.org and click on the Employer Resource Center graphic. Once they log in, they'll find the QualityCounts toolkit under the Employer Tools tab. If they are unsure of their password, members can contact Melanie Cannon, 800.223.4139 x 6637.
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| Alliance Provider Update |
The Alliance encourages employers to distribute the Provider Update listing to their employees.
 Just a reminder - always check the online provider directory for the most current provider information! |
| About The Agent and Consultant Briefing |
Each month, The Alliance Agent and Consultant Briefing delivers the latest news to insurance agents and consultants about Alliance services, programs and events as well as information on health benefit trends, issues, and ideas of interest to our mutual clients. Subscriptions are available on a complimentary basis. To subscribe, please send an e-mail message with your name and agency to the Marketing and Member Services Department. Read past issues of this newsletter on-line at http://the-alliance.org/agentresources.aspx.
Reader comments, suggestions, and topics are always welcome.
Cathy Lanser, Editor Melanie Cannon, Designer Diane Loram, Business Development Manager | |
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The Alliance encourages employers to distribute the