Employee Benefits

With new legislation, complex administration processes, and ever-changing regulations, it can be difficult for benefits professionals to stay up-to-date on the essential issues key to designing and maintaining an effective employee benefits program.

The following podcast series will feature a variety of experts in the benefits industry, presenting timely and important topics to help you successfully manage your employee benefits program.

Monday, August 24, 2009

Medicare: What You (or your Employees) Need to Know Before You're 65


Medicare options and their initial elections can be complex and challenging to understand. Decisions on what coverage or combination of plans is right for you, what your associated financial responsibilities will be, and when and how to enroll can seem overwhelming. This three-part podcast series will provide the information you need to know to make an informed decision on your initial Medicare elections.

Part 1: The ABC's of Medicare
This podcast focuses on the basics of Medicare and its two coverage options: Part A and B, "Original Medicare", fee-for-service option; and Part C, "Medicare Advantage", managed care plan option.

To listen to this podcast click here.
To view the presentation click here.

Part 2: Medigap Insurance
Medigap insurance is private insurance that supplements existing "gaps" in Original Medicare. This podcast focuses on what Medigap insurance covers, how to compare policies, and your guaranteed issue rights.

To listen to this podcast click here.
To view the presentation click here.

Part 3: Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage
Prescription drug coverage is one of the most important new components of Medicare. This podcast focuses on the types of drug plans that are available, how to select the best plan for you, the annual election requirement, and how to enroll in a plan.

To listen to this podcast click here.
To view the presentation click here.


Featuring:
Esther Koch, Founder and President of Encore Management
Esther is also a Medicare Aging Network Partner with the Administration on Aging and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid, and was a delegate to the White House Conference on Aging.




Thursday, May 21, 2009

Human Capital Strategy Series
Surviving the Three R's: Reassessment, Retrenchment and Reengagement


In a challenging economic environment, organizations reexamine their operational processes, business strategy and the resulting impact on their workforce. Often, the need to maintain profitability and stability results in a reduction in force. This four part podcast series examines Human Capital Strategy and how to successfully implement the three key phases of a RIF: Reassessment, Retrenchment and Reengagement.

Part 1: Human Capital Strategy
Human Capital Strategy is the connection between employees to the overall business strategy of an organization. When contemplating a reduction in force, employers must make strategic changes to reduce human capital expenses. This podcast will discuss best practices when establishing a new human capital strategy, including identifying operational inefficiencies, key talent versus key positions and the evolving company priorities affecting employees.

To listen to this podcast click here.
To view the presentation click here.

Part 2: Reassessment
The reassessment stage of talent management focuses on evaluating your current and future business model and the workforce needed to achieve the business priorities. This podcast will address the importance of identifying and defining the pivotal roles and the highest performers with the potential to close the gap between your current workforce capabilities and your future workforce capabilities.

To listen to this podcast click here.
To view the presentation click here.

Part 3: Retrenchment
Due to the organizational changes and emotional charged nature of a RIF, it is essential that all companies have a clear and detailed action plan for implementation. This podcast will discuss issues of critical importance including communications with employees, legal and compliance issues, compensation packages and the treatment of both employees being layed off and those remaining.

To listen to this podcast click here.
To view the presentation click here.

Part 4: Reengagement
After a RIF, employee morale is low and employees are concerned as to the future of their jobs and the company in general. This podcast will discuss the role of management in effectively managing business operations and the needs of existing employees to ensure they have the tools and resources needed to balance their workload and remain motivated and productive.

To listen to this podcast click here.
To view the presentation click here.


Featuring:
Jennifer Green, Green Global Resources
Pi Wen Looi, Novacrea Research Consulting
Jill Springer, HR Executive, Advisor & Consultant
Jenn Walsh, Woodruff-Sawyer & Co.




Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Consumer Directed Healthcare Plans: Dispelling the Myths and Improving Your Bottom Line


Now more than ever it is important for employers to find creative solutions to improving their financial security. This podcast focuses on Consumer Directed Healthcare Plans and whether adjusting and realigning your benefits programs may be a vehicle to significant long-term savings.

John Young, Vice President - Consumerism, CIGNA Healthcare
Jenn Walsh, Employee Benefits Practice Leader, Woodruff-Sawyer & Co.

To listen to this podcast click here.

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*Please note that the information contained in this podcast is relevant to a variety of benefits programs and is not limited to clients of CIGNA Healthcare.