• Raising employee contributions (63 percent)
• Raising out-of-pocket maximums (46 percent)
• Raising in-network deductibles (44 percent)
• Raising out-of-network deductibles (40 percent)
• Raising copay/coinsurance for specialist care (21 percent)
• Raising copay/coinsurance for primary care (6 percent)

One of the most common cost-controlling tactics cited by employers was offering a consumer-directed health plan (CDHP). In 2011, 61 percent of employers plan to offer a CDHP, while 20 percent will offer it as their only plan option (up from 10 percent in 2010). Other survey trends include:

• In 2011, 5 percent of employers will drop retiree health benefits, while 60 percent are considering doing so.
• Many employers will offer premium discounts for completing health risk assessments (41 percent) or participating in tobacco cessation programs (22 percent).
• A quarter of respondents will raise their copay/coinsurance for retail pharmacy prescription drugs, and 21 percent will do the same for mail order pharmacy benefits. ■
  

OTC Drugs Are No Longer Reimbursable From Medical Accounts

The Affordable Care Act includes a provision regarding over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and FSAs, HRAs, HSAs and Archer MSAs. The IRS recently released additional guidance for this new standard.

Effective January 1, 2011, OTC drugs can no longer be reimbursed from any of the above medical accounts, unless a prescription is obtained for the drug. This does not apply to insulin, which will continue to be an eligible medical expense, even if purchased without a prescription.

This rule applies only to purchases made on or after January 1, 2011. Any OTC purchases made without a prescription in 2010 can still be reimbursed in 2011 (if allowed by your plan). ■

1. Develop the various programs required by the OSHA standards. A good number of accidents stem from poorly developed, trained or implemented OSHA programs: slips or trips may come from poor housekeeping efforts or not keeping walking and working surfaces clear, not using personal protective equipment may result in excessive lacerations, and poor lifting techniques can result in strains.
2. Integrate those programs into the daily operations. Putting a policy into practice requires a strategic plan clearly communicated to key participants, good execution of that plan based on developed competencies, and a culture that inspires and rewards people to do their best.
3. Investigate all injuries and illnesses. The ability to reduce accidents is significantly enhanced when those accidents are fully investigated instead of simply being reported.
4. Provide training to develop safety competence in all
   employees. The goal of training is to develop competent people who have the knowledge, skill and understanding to perform assigned job responsibilities.
5. Audit your programs and your work areas on a regular
   basis to stimulate continuous improvement.

Studies indicate there is a return on investment and that companies see direct bottom-line benefits with a properly designed, implemented and integrated safety program.

Adventure enthusiasts get excited at the thought of scouring the woods and skimming ice-covered lakes on their snowmobiles. To protect against potential hazards, Snowmobile Insurance is as essential as your gloves, boots and the need for speed. A typical Snowmobile Insurance policy includes the following coverage:

• Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability (BI/PD): Covers liability for an accident involving injury to other people or property, up to your liability limits.
• Comprehensive and Collision Coverage: Replaces or repairs your vehicle if it is stolen or damaged, regardless of who is at fault. Collision coverage applies for accidents involving a nonliving object or other vehicle; and events such as fires, theft or vandalism.
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist: Pays for your medical treatment resulting from accidents involving uninsured or underinsured motorists when you are not at fault.
• Roadside Assistance: Covers labor for repairs and towing to the nearest repair facility due to dead batteries, mechanical or electrical breakdowns, lost keys, insufficient fuel (or oil, water or other fluids) and entrapment.
• Accessory Coverage: Covers items that were not originally manufactured on the vehicle, such as trailers, custom paint, racks and plow blades.
• Medical Payments

CLG employees will be participating in the Jawonio Race for Recovery on October 9, 2010 at Rockland Lake State Park in support of Jawonio's Mental Health Recovery Services. Registration/Check In opens at 7:00am 10K Race starts at 9:00am 5K Walk starts at 10:00am PLEASE NOTE: Parking is FREE if you arrive before 8:00am $8.00 after that time.

Jawonio provides comprehensive medical, clinical, rehabilitative, educational, employment, day habilitation services, service coordination and community living services to children and adults with physical, developmental and/or emotional disabilities.

To take part or to support this worthwhile cause, please visit www.jawonio.org. ■

Supplemental heating, such as using space heaters, is the leading cause of home fires from December through February. If you are relying on space heaters for some additional warmth this winter, remember these safety precautions as you stay toasty:

• Do not use space heaters to warm bedding, cook food, thaw pipes or dry clothing. These tasks can present major fire and burn risks.
• Use space heaters with Underwriters Laboratories (UL) safety mark only. The UL mark signifies that the product was tested for potential safety hazards.
• Always purchase units that have automatic shut-off features and heating element guards.
• Keep sources of fire at least three feet away from the heater, including drapery, clothing and bedding.
• Turn off space heaters when leaving the room and going to sleep.
• Always supervise children and pets around heaters to prevent burn injuries.
• Periodically check for frayed insulation, broken wires and overheating. Have your space heater serviced immediately if you notice any of these problems. ■