Washington, DC (PRWEB) March 12, 2015
Health insurers are now developing coverage options for their large-employer clients’ 2016 benefits programs. New regulatory and market challenges are weighing heavily on purchasers, and carriers are devising ways to help them keep costs down. “Health Insurance Benefit Design 2016: Insurer Strategies for Large Groups,” the March 24 webinar from Atlantic Information Services, will discuss which designs will roll out in the fall.
Three top benefits consultants — Erich Blumberg and Kelly King of Lockton Dunning Benefits Co., and Todd Van Tol of Oliver Wyman’s Health & Life Sciences practice — will provide 60 minutes of presentations, followed by 30 minutes devoted to individual questions. They will offer expert answers to these and other bottom-line issues:
- What are the most pressing needs large-group purchasers have today and which 2016 benefit designs are likely to meet these concerns most effectively?
- How will health plans play the increasingly popular private exchange option in the large-group market? Is defined contribution leading this trend, or are other factors making headway for the 2016 plan year?
- Health plans are turning to alternative network designs — including narrow and tiered networks under special arrangements with providers — to keep costs down. What form are these non-traditional plan designs likely to take for 2016? What do employers want from these designs, which can reduce system and consumer costs 10% from PPO offerings?
- Every conceivable wellness strategy is being explored to curb medical utilization, build company morale and reduce long-term chronic care costs. Which are likely to be most popular in 2016 and under what circumstances?
- To what extent will employers be using specific bundles of care and centers of excellence to steer employees to the lowest-cost, highest-value settings for conditions, such as knee and hip replacement?
- How much cost sharing is too much? What measurements will employers use to determine when additional costs in the form of deductibles and co-payments are warranted and will be accepted by workers?
- Which of the above strategies are likely to be most attractive to (and effective for) employers in which industry sectors?
- What should health plans do to help employers make employee health benefit options and clinical decisions more transparent?
Visit http://aishealth.com/marketplace/c5m07_032415 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.