WEEK 3

Healthcare Cost Management(graded)

Many Americans benefit from the investments in healthcare;
however, the recent cost growth, coupled with the economic downturn and
rising national deficit, has placed a great strain on the financial
systems used to finance healthcare, including private employer-sponsored
health insurance coverage and public insurance programs, such as
Medicare and Medicaid. What is the responsibility of individuals for the
cost of their care? Are health savings accounts and high-deductible
insurance policies an approach that should be expanded? What are the
concerns for low-income individuals?

Consumer-Driven Healthcare (graded)

Consumer-driven healthcare has become popular over the past few
years as employees seek tax advantages and cost savings on healthcare.
What are some of the key features of a consumer-driven healthcare plan?
Does your company currently offer any of these plans? If so, are you
taking advantage of them? Why or why not?
WEEK 4Life Insurance Plans (graded)
A major concern for most employees is caring for their families
in the event of the employees death. Many employers provide life
insurance for employees. Does your organization offer a group insurance
policy? If so, what is the basic plan design of your organizations life
insurance policy, and for how much are you covered? How do you value
this benefit in relation to the entire benefit package and why?

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Disability Plans (graded)
In addition to replacing household income when an employee either
retires or is no longer working, he or she may also carry some type of
income-replacement plan in the event they become disabled. Does your
current (or former) employer offer disability coverage for employees?
What are the specifics of your coverage? Do you feel the need to
purchase supplemental disability insurance? Why or why not? How do you
value this benefit in relation to the entire benefit package and why?
Many Americans benefit from the investments in healthcare;
however, the recent cost growth, coupled with the economic downturn and
rising national deficit, has placed a great strain on the financial
systems used to finance healthcare, including private employer-sponsored
health insurance coverage and public insurance programs, such as
Medicare and Medicaid. What is the responsibility of individuals for the
cost of their care? Are health savings accounts and high-deductible
insurance policies an approach that should be expanded? What are the
concerns for low-income individuals?Consumer-driven healthcare has become popular over the past few
years as employees seek tax advantages and cost savings on healthcare.
What are some of the key features of a consumer-driven healthcare plan?
Does your company currently offer any of these plans? If so, are you
taking advantage of them? Why or why not?A major concern for most employees is caring for their families
in the event of the employees death. Many employers provide life
insurance for employees. Does your organization offer a group insurance
policy? If so, what is the basic plan design of your organizations life
insurance policy, and for how much are you covered? How do you value
this benefit in relation to the entire benefit package and why?In addition to replacing household income when an employee either
retires or is no longer working, he or she may also carry some type of
income-replacement plan in the event they become disabled. Does your
current (or former) employer offer disability coverage for employees?
What are the specifics of your coverage? Do you feel the need to
purchase supplemental disability insurance? Why or why not? How do you
value this benefit in relation to the entire benefit package and why?