July 2010

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Editor's Column
by Kate Kinkade
Problem Still Not Solved

Voluntary Gains Ground in the New Benefits World
by Jim Barone
As the recent economic storm required employers to reduce or eliminate some employer-paid benefits, many moved away from pure employer-paid options, offering a wider array of voluntary products. Some employers may not reverse cost-shifting measures in the near term while other employers may be receptive to taking a fresh look at benefits strategy.

An Effective Way to Overcome Long-Term Care Objections:
The Increasing Role of LTC Riders
by Josh O’Gara
Adding riders to enhance the features of a base life insurance policy has been popular since the early days of the industry.

Employee Health Clinics:
How Self-Funded Employers are Improving
Employee Health and Reducing Healthcare Costs
by David Zanze
Several large employers are jumping into self-funded insurance plans as a cost-effective response to healthcare reform.

Be Better Informed Than the Tooth Fairy...
Read Our Annual Dental Survey
Welcome to Part I of California Broker’s 2010 Dental Survey.
by Leila Morris
We’ve asked the top dental providers in California to answer 28 crucial questions to better help you, the agent, understand their benefits, features, and services. Look Part II in the August issue. Read the responses and sell accordingly.

Medical Travel and Surgery Management:
The Consumer-Driven Product That Sells Itself
by Victor Lazzaro, Jr.
American businesses are finding it harder to compete in the global marketplace and many blame staggering and ever increasing healthcare costs. HR executives need all the help they can get when it comes to managing health benefits.

Providing Health Coverage Beyond Borders
by Jose Loaiza
Health plans are always seeking ways to help consumers feel more comfortable accessing care, and several California health plans offer cross-border coverage options to those who live or work near the Mexican border.

Dental Tourism:
Saving Employers and Individuals Thousands On Dental Bills
by Dr. Juan Pablo Eng
Consumers are more willing than ever to travel internationally for safe, effective, and affordable medical procedures, including dental. Stemming from the growing concern of costly dental care, a new concept has emerged: dental tourism.

Leave COBRA To The Pros
by Kristin Komen
Managing COBRA and its California cousin, “Cal-COBRA” has become increasingly difficult and time-consuming, which keeps human resources professionals from taking care of other responsibilities.

Disability Insurance Spotlight: Gaps in Coverage for More Highly Compensated Employees
by Michael Fradkin
The trends in disability insurance for the highly compensated worker present a way for you to open the door to a discussion with your clients about the gap in coverage among their top-earning employees.

Regulations Limit Changes to Existing Health Plans
by Leila Morris
The Obama Administration issued new regulations that could shift significant
new healthcare cost burdens onto employees.

Converting Internet Shoppers into Health Insurance Customers
by Ron Goldstein
While health professionals are trying to guess how health reform with turn out, thousands of John and Jane Does, who have lost their jobs or had their group coverage dropped, are out shopping for individual and family health insurance plans.