Health care reform: Prepare for change

[In response to a Sept. 14 story on health insurance exchanges] With the uncertainty surrounding health care reform, only
one thing seems definite: Some level of change is coming. In that light, employers have two options: Fret over the impact
these changes might have on their businesses, or act now, meeting the needs of today while forging a plan for addressing a
changed landscape.

The nation is too far along in the reform debate for things to remain as they are, but we believe
key aspects of the current system will survive. Most people will continue to receive benefits and benefits information from
employers, and employers will continue to play a key role in the provision, distribution and communication of benefits. And
they’ll certainly continue to have a vested interest in employees’ health, since it’s so directly linked
to productivity.

As we see it, employers face two challenges: managing through this period of uncertainty, and
preparing for a changed benefits environment. They can do both by focusing on the practices that have served them well in
the past: Emphasize thorough and practical benefits communication. Encourage employees to be better health care consumers.
Focus on wellness and invest in prevention (each offers significant return on investment). Be sensitive to your work force’s
demographics and benefit expectations. And “reform” your own policies to meet the new challenge, seeking innovative
ways to communicate with employees and to encourage wellness and efficient benefits use.

Commit to these practices
and you’ll not just survive the period of uncertainty; you’ll also be well-positioned for the future.

__________

Bryan K. Brenner,

CEO

Russ Stuart,

President

Benefit Associates/Benefit Consultant