Posted on Thu, May 13, 2010 @ 11:24 AM
Health care reform isn’t a new idea; it’s been a hot media topic for several years. I remember first hearing about this back in early 1990’s under President Clinton’s administration. President Obama campaigned hard on this issue during his bid for the White House and on March 23, 2010 signed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act into law.
As you can imagine a law such as this is complicated and there are many moving parts to its administration. There are even challenges in the courts, as many states claim the law is unconstitutional and places an unfair burden on state government. There are different effective dates for provisions in the law, with many not taking place until 2014.
Here are a few provisions that will ultimately impact ADS Logistics:
- Automatic enrollment in medical plan, with “opt out” option
- Removal of lifetime benefit maximums while covered on the plan
- Dependent children will be eligible for coverage up to the age of 26
- Denial of claims based on pre-existing limitations will be eliminated
- The tax penalty for employees using money in an HSA for a non qualified medical expense will rise to 20% in 2011
- There will be fewer restrictions on discounts allowed for wellness participation
Again the law is new, complicated, and still open for change as court challenges are heard and provisions implemented on a lagged time schedules. ADS will continue to update our plan as needed and ensure we are in full compliance with the law.
For the full text of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act along with the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act visit: http://dpc.senate.gov
Written by Annmarie Plant: Human Resources- ADS Logistics
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Posted on Mon, Mar 22, 2010 @ 10:08 AM
In a continued effort to promote and encourage wellness, ADS Logistics Co, LLC is offering again this year, FREE health screenings for all employees.
Free Health Screenings will be conducted by Interactive Health Solutions (IHS) and are available through the month of March. All employees are encouraged to participate as the entire cost of the health screening will be paid by the company.
This comprehensive evaluation includes a blood screening to detect:
The evaluation also includes a blood pressure check and health assessment for risks such as heart attack, stroke, mental health problems, and sleep disorders.
Those who participate in the health screening have the opportunity to enroll in Health Focus classes. These confidential, telephonic, classes are held by a Masters-degreed health professional and are designed to assist you in making lasting healthy life style changes in such topics as weight management, better nutrition, and smoke cessation.
Free Health screenings will be conducted at the Chesterton facility, the driver meetings, and are also available through a “TEST ON DEMAND” option. Test on Demand allows an individual to participate in the health evaluation at an authorized lab near home or work location. Screenings must be completed by March 31st.
If this is the first year for your health screen you will be eligible for the employee incentive (a discount on the employee portion of the medical premium) by participating in the screening. If you participated in the past, you received a target from IHS and any incentive will be determined based upon achieving your target.
Annual preventive health screenings can help to identify possible health risks in their earlier, less serious stage when they are more treatable – or curable. Your good health is your most important asset! Be proactive and take charge of your health today and participate in this great benefit.
Article submitted by Annmarie Plant.