Medical savings accounts

Article Abstract:

Medical savings accounts (MSAs) are accounts into which employers or employees place funds that can be used for medical expenses. Under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, a four-year pilot program of 750,000 MSAs have favorable tax treatment when linked to a catastrophic medical insurance plan. The impact of MSAs on health-care costs and preventive care use needs to be evaluated. The accounts are available to small employers and have contribution limits. MSAs attempt to make health care insurance affordable and so available to more employees.

Direct Health and Medical Insurance Carriers, Hospital and medical service plans, Medical Care Insurance, Innovations, Health insurance, Medical savings accounts

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Managed care and quality

Article Abstract:

Managed care organizations are subject to stricter scrutiny since questions have been raised about their quality of care and money saving policies. Employers evaluate organizations based on service quality, financial stability and patient outcomes, often using employee surveys, the Health Plan Employer Data and Information Set and accreditation by three main organizations. Practices currently prohibited in most states include denying emergency room coverage, delaying treatment and banning discussion of care alternatives.

Health Care, Health Care and Social Assistance, HEALTH SERVICES, Medical care, Managed care plans (Medical care)

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Effective retirement planning seminars: painting by the DOL numbers

Article Abstract:

Employers can no longer be held liable for participant investment education and retirement seminars as long as they meet certain rules of the safe harbor created by a Dept of Labor bulletin. Seminars can include information on retirement planning tax advantages, including early investment and pre-tax investment, as well as warn about early withdrawal. However, seminar presenters must tell the audience about both the wise and foolish forms of investment and must not appear to be making a sales pitch.

Investment advice, Investment Advisory Services, Retirement Benefits, Laws, regulations and rules, Study and teaching, Retirement planning, Investment advisers

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