Jan. 30 Atlantic Information Services Webinar to Discuss the Future of the Small-Group Market

Washington, DC (PRWEB) January 17, 2014

As key elements of the health reform law go into effect this month, small employers are taking a hard look at their recent premium increases and calculating whether it makes financial sense to continue offering health coverage. While some may drop coverage completely, others will move to a defined-contribution strategy or self-insure. Others will counter rate hikes by raising deductibles and coinsurance, shifting to narrow provider networks, or moving to Small-Business Health Options Program (SHOP) exchange or private insurance exchanges. The Jan. 30 webinar from Atlantic Information Services, Inc. (AIS), “The Future of the Small-Group Market: How Insurers Can Retain or Grow Their Small-Employer Business,” will offer insight on where the small-group market is headed and how to prepare for the changes ahead.

During this exclusive panel discussion, John Mills, senior director of consumer products for UPMC Health Plan, Neil Waldron, chief marketing officer and vice president of strategic initiatives at Rocky Mountain Health Plans (RMHP), and Neil Crosby, director of sales at Warner Pacific Insurance Services and vice president of Public Affairs with the California Association of Health Underwriters, will provide 60 minutes of expert insight followed by 30 minutes devoted to individual questions. Participants will get answers to questions like:

• To what extent will the Affordable Care Act lead to an increase in the number of small-group self-insured products? Will employers purchase those products?
• How can carriers recapture members who transition from small-group to the individual market?
• Will the SHOP exchange become a long-term game changer in the small-group market? How should carriers design and position their products for these developments?
• How would a successful private insurance exchange work in the small-group market? Are private exchanges a defensive strategy for insurers or an important tactic to win real market share?
• To what extent will employers drop their insurance and send their employees to the individual exchange? What steps can carriers take to recapture those members?
• Which employers are eligible for the small-group tax credit? Will the credit be enough to entice employers to move to the exchange?
• Are small employers likely to drop coverage for spouses and dependents? How should plans position themselves for this eventuality?
• Are employers interested in combining high-deductible plans with health accounts? What is the potential cost savings for employers?

Visit http://aishealth.com/marketplace/c4m03_013014 for more details and registration information.

About AIS
Atlantic Information Services, Inc. (AIS) is a publishing and information company that has been serving the health care industry for more than 25 years. It develops highly targeted news, data and strategic information for managers in hospitals, health plans, medical group practices, pharmaceutical companies and other health care organizations. AIS products include print and electronic newsletters, websites, looseleafs, books, strategic reports, databases, webinars and conferences. Learn more at http://www.AISHealth.com.

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