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Health & benefits Perspectives

Last updated: 26 November 2008

 

Health & Benefits Perspectives provide specific analyses and viewpoints on major issues of interest to Benefits Professionals.

2008 Health & benefits perspectives

 

November 2008

 

Global Health and Benefits Perspective: Edition 2

20 November 2008

 

This publication contains articles of interest to multinational clients and prospects written by Mercer's thought leaders around the world. Here are the articles in this edition:

 

 

 

October 2008

 

Perspective - Making sense of the health care debate in the 2008 presidential election

23 October 2008

 

Although the national economic condition has topped the political agenda in weeks leading up to the 2008 presidential election, health care reform remains a leading domestic policy issue for voters and both presidential candidates. With rising health care costs and potential growth in the number of uninsured Americans because of the economic downturn, consensus about the need for US health system reform is emerging. But the current fiscal crisis adds a new dimension to the challenges of passing a solution.

 

As the debate continues to sharpen, one thing is clear: Both candidates agree that the health care system needs major changes, although the party nominees diverge on what reforms should take place. This Perspective reviews party platforms and candidates' positions on health care reform and discusses potential implications for employers' health benefit programs.

 

September 2008

 

Global Health and Benefits Perspective: Edition 1

15 September 2008

 

This publication contains articles of interest to multinational clients and prospects written by Mercer's thought leaders around the world. Here are the articles in this edition:

 

 

 

January 2008

 

Perspective - Improving the value and cost of US health benefits

25 January 2008

 

As the US health care debate intensifies, employers are re-examining their role in sponsoring coverage. Rising health plan costs, administrative burdens and employee dissatisfaction with offerings have employers asking hard questions: What's the value in offering health benefits? Would a different approach offer better cost and strategic value? This Perspective examines the evolving answers to these questions, outlines public policy and marketplace changes needed for any major shift away from employer-based coverage, and offers practical considerations for employers planning near-term change.

 

2007 Health & benefits perspectives

 

March 2007

 

Perspective - Innovations in health care: Enhancing quality for maximum performance

13 March 2007

 

This Perspective identifies the key features and proponents of current health care quality initiatives, highlights how employers can benefit from these efforts, and outlines actions that employers can take to promote quality in their health benefits.

 

2006 Health & benefit perspectives

 

November 2006

 

Perspective - Rx for retiree health care: Diagnosing the issues

6 November 2006

 

This Perspective, addresses the key challenges and issues companies face in deciding whether to terminate or continue health care coverage for their retirees. We examine the social, financial and workforce consequences associated with these decisions to help you shape a strategy that's right for your organization.

 

 
June 2006

 

Perspective - Preparing for a pandemic: Easing the Avian flu's impact on employee welfare

6 June 2006

 

This Perspective centers on workforce concerns - issues related to the health, safety and welfare of employees. Before, during and after an avian flu outbreak, human resource managers, and the protocols they put in place, will play a critical role in maintaining their organizations' ability to function effectively.

 

 

January 2006

 

Perspective - The Bottom Line on Benefits: A new strategic focus on affordability, sustainability, and shareholder value

5 January 2006

 

This Perspective explains how escalating health and retirement costs have caused many employers to cut benefits or shift expenses to employees, yet costs continue to rise. This article takes a fresh look at the drivers of benefit costs and promising cost-control solutions, such as consumer-directed health plans, health savings accounts, disease management programs, hybrid retirement plans, employee education, and high-performance provider plans. Along with giving case studies illustrating real-life solutions, this issue highlights ways to build cost-effectiveness into total reward strategies and communication programs.

 

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