Medicare & Employer Health Coverage - a Coordination Conversationbenefitexpress
Let's talk about Medicare and Employer Health Coverage. The rules on coordinating Medicare and employer coverage can be complex. How it complements other programs (such as COBRA, HSAs and the ACA) are also areas of question for both employees and their employers.
In today's multi-generational workforce, health and wellness benefits are weighted equally with salary expectations. This is why it's important for small and large businesses alike to embrace health and wellness benefits to recruit top talent as well as retain valued employees.
While offering these benefits has been shown to improve employee engagement and productivity, it comes with some challenges. This webinar reviews common questions human resources professionals confront when offering health and welfare benefits to employees.
Facilitated by ERISA attorney Larry Grudzien, this webinar covers the following:
- Questions Surrounding Tax
- Reporting Disclosures
- ERISA, COBRA & FMLA
- Workers Compensation
- Affordable Care Act (ACA)
Benefits are a critical piece of an employee compensation package, with health care benefits reigning most important. Whether you're already offering these benefits or considering adding them to your benefits offerings, view our webinar to learn more and remain competitive in the talent marketplace.
Webinar: Mid-Year Election Changes for Cafeteria Plansbenefitexpress
Let's talk about cafeteria plans. When can participants make election changes?
While cafeteria plans can be a great option for employees wishing to pick and choose benefits based on cost, when and how to facilitate election changes outside of open enrollment can be tricky to navigate for employers. As the use of cafeteria plans continue to grow, we take a deeper look at the rules and regulations of these plans, particularly as they pertain to mid-year election changes.
Medicare Rule Review: Overview of Secondary Payersbenefitexpress
Learn how the Medicare Secondary Payer Rules impact an employer’s health and welfare plans. This covers which employers are subject, what employers can do to comply, and the penalties that can be imposed for noncompliance.
COVID-19 Health & Welfare: Compliance for Employersbenefitexpress
As part of our continuing ERISA Compliance series, we covered such compliance topics and more in our April 9th webinar discussing COVID-19 and updates from the IRS and DOL concerning the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.
This presentation reviews: what information must be protected, what policies and procedures need to be in place, what disclosures have to be given to employees, what agreements have to be in place for business associates, and what breach procedures have to be followed.
Medicare & Employer Health Coverage - a Coordination Conversationbenefitexpress
Let's talk about Medicare and Employer Health Coverage. The rules on coordinating Medicare and employer coverage can be complex. How it complements other programs (such as COBRA, HSAs and the ACA) are also areas of question for both employees and their employers.
In today's multi-generational workforce, health and wellness benefits are weighted equally with salary expectations. This is why it's important for small and large businesses alike to embrace health and wellness benefits to recruit top talent as well as retain valued employees.
While offering these benefits has been shown to improve employee engagement and productivity, it comes with some challenges. This webinar reviews common questions human resources professionals confront when offering health and welfare benefits to employees.
Facilitated by ERISA attorney Larry Grudzien, this webinar covers the following:
- Questions Surrounding Tax
- Reporting Disclosures
- ERISA, COBRA & FMLA
- Workers Compensation
- Affordable Care Act (ACA)
Benefits are a critical piece of an employee compensation package, with health care benefits reigning most important. Whether you're already offering these benefits or considering adding them to your benefits offerings, view our webinar to learn more and remain competitive in the talent marketplace.
Webinar: Mid-Year Election Changes for Cafeteria Plansbenefitexpress
Let's talk about cafeteria plans. When can participants make election changes?
While cafeteria plans can be a great option for employees wishing to pick and choose benefits based on cost, when and how to facilitate election changes outside of open enrollment can be tricky to navigate for employers. As the use of cafeteria plans continue to grow, we take a deeper look at the rules and regulations of these plans, particularly as they pertain to mid-year election changes.
Medicare Rule Review: Overview of Secondary Payersbenefitexpress
Learn how the Medicare Secondary Payer Rules impact an employer’s health and welfare plans. This covers which employers are subject, what employers can do to comply, and the penalties that can be imposed for noncompliance.
COVID-19 Health & Welfare: Compliance for Employersbenefitexpress
As part of our continuing ERISA Compliance series, we covered such compliance topics and more in our April 9th webinar discussing COVID-19 and updates from the IRS and DOL concerning the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.
This presentation reviews: what information must be protected, what policies and procedures need to be in place, what disclosures have to be given to employees, what agreements have to be in place for business associates, and what breach procedures have to be followed.
An open enrollment checklist, created by eHealthInsurance, to help employees find the best personal health insurance solution for the 2012 benefit year - via http://www.eHealthInsurance.com
Staffscapes, Inc. is a Human Resources Outsourcing firm that specializes in HR, Payroll & Benefits. We recently presented this slide show to a group of Colorado Small Business Owners and Managers and are sharing it with the general public today.
Constructing HRA: Blueprints for Solid Administrationbenefitexpress
Learn the ins and outs of offering a private benefits marketplace for your employees, HRA administration, and various agencies regulating what's included.
Intertwined Guidelines: Untangling Your Enrollment Notice Requirementbenefitexpress
DOL, PPACA, ERISA, COBRA, and HIPAA all have guidelines for enrollment notices - learn best practices for including the notice in your benefits strategy.
FSAs can do some heavy lifting for your benefits plan – they allow employees to save pretax dollars for healthcare costs without the price tag of other financial wellness initiatives. However, many HR professionals lack a deep understanding of the compliance requirements to offer and administer a well-rounded program for their employees.
If ACA is repealed, there will be significant implications for FSAs. Devise your strategy to:
- Accurately catch employee election changes
- Manage rollover requirements
- Determine who pays first – HSA vs FSA
- Understand COBRA’s impact on an FSA
Get coaching from benefits attorney Larry Grudzien on how to prep now for the legislative impact on FSA administration.
Covid19 guidance for multiemployer plans and labor unions webinarWithum
COVID-19 Guidance: Multiemployer Plans and Labor Unions
In this webinar we talk about how COVID-19 is impacting Multiemployer Plans and Labor Unions, including relief programs and FAQs
Health Care Reform - Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) UpdatesCBIZ, Inc.
One of the components of the Affordable Care Act is the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP). The SHOP is the marketplace, sometimes referred to as “exchange”, specific to small employers.
Covert Taxes: Spying Issues in Health & Welfare Benefitsbenefitexpress
Avoid a tax season surprise and make sure your benefits are actually beneficial to your employees. It’s time to ensure you’re keeping your plan non-taxable to your employees and tax deductible for you by learning:
- How to pass the Benefits Test
- Common pitfalls in nondiscrimination requirements
- Covered plans beyond basic health and disability insurance
- The best way to provide tuition assistance to employees
Get your maximum deduction come tax time while maintaining your top-tier benefits with this webinar, featuring advice from benefits attorney Larry Grudzien.
What do you offer your employees to keep them satisfied? how do you compare to the market? what areas should you focus on to ensure you become and employer of choice?
Proving Grounds: Answer the Call with Effective FMLA Administrationbenefitexpress
The DOL released a new employer guide to the Family and Medical Leave Act this year, but many employers have unanswered questions. Administrating FMLA is a tricky topic; learn to navigate the regulations with ease. From major regulatory changes to the day-to-day questions, HR and benefit managers have, ERISA attorney Larry Grudzien covers everything you need to know right now to legally administrate FMLA leave.
ACA (mis)Management: What Everyone Has Learned & the Game Plan for 2017benefitexpress
After our first ACA reporting season, it’s time to regroup and review what we’ve learned for 2016. The IRS is eliminating extensions and good faith efforts, raising penalties, and strictly limiting transitional relief.
With higher stakes, ERISA attorney Larry Grudzien reviews the changes to ACA reporting for 2016 and common ACA management issues.
In early July, the Department of Treasury announced it is delaying a key mandate of the Affordable Care Act: what's known as the 'Pay or Play' mandate. While pushing pause on this mandate gives large employers another year to prepare, we strongly advise businesses not to wait to start making strategic decisions. For more information, contact Fraser Trebilcock Senior Health Care and Business Attorney Mike James at mjames@fraserlawfirm.com or 517.377.0823. You can also find more information at www.milhealthlaws.com.
An open enrollment checklist, created by eHealthInsurance, to help employees find the best personal health insurance solution for the 2012 benefit year - via http://www.eHealthInsurance.com
Staffscapes, Inc. is a Human Resources Outsourcing firm that specializes in HR, Payroll & Benefits. We recently presented this slide show to a group of Colorado Small Business Owners and Managers and are sharing it with the general public today.
Constructing HRA: Blueprints for Solid Administrationbenefitexpress
Learn the ins and outs of offering a private benefits marketplace for your employees, HRA administration, and various agencies regulating what's included.
Intertwined Guidelines: Untangling Your Enrollment Notice Requirementbenefitexpress
DOL, PPACA, ERISA, COBRA, and HIPAA all have guidelines for enrollment notices - learn best practices for including the notice in your benefits strategy.
FSAs can do some heavy lifting for your benefits plan – they allow employees to save pretax dollars for healthcare costs without the price tag of other financial wellness initiatives. However, many HR professionals lack a deep understanding of the compliance requirements to offer and administer a well-rounded program for their employees.
If ACA is repealed, there will be significant implications for FSAs. Devise your strategy to:
- Accurately catch employee election changes
- Manage rollover requirements
- Determine who pays first – HSA vs FSA
- Understand COBRA’s impact on an FSA
Get coaching from benefits attorney Larry Grudzien on how to prep now for the legislative impact on FSA administration.
Covid19 guidance for multiemployer plans and labor unions webinarWithum
COVID-19 Guidance: Multiemployer Plans and Labor Unions
In this webinar we talk about how COVID-19 is impacting Multiemployer Plans and Labor Unions, including relief programs and FAQs
Health Care Reform - Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) UpdatesCBIZ, Inc.
One of the components of the Affordable Care Act is the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP). The SHOP is the marketplace, sometimes referred to as “exchange”, specific to small employers.
Covert Taxes: Spying Issues in Health & Welfare Benefitsbenefitexpress
Avoid a tax season surprise and make sure your benefits are actually beneficial to your employees. It’s time to ensure you’re keeping your plan non-taxable to your employees and tax deductible for you by learning:
- How to pass the Benefits Test
- Common pitfalls in nondiscrimination requirements
- Covered plans beyond basic health and disability insurance
- The best way to provide tuition assistance to employees
Get your maximum deduction come tax time while maintaining your top-tier benefits with this webinar, featuring advice from benefits attorney Larry Grudzien.
What do you offer your employees to keep them satisfied? how do you compare to the market? what areas should you focus on to ensure you become and employer of choice?
Proving Grounds: Answer the Call with Effective FMLA Administrationbenefitexpress
The DOL released a new employer guide to the Family and Medical Leave Act this year, but many employers have unanswered questions. Administrating FMLA is a tricky topic; learn to navigate the regulations with ease. From major regulatory changes to the day-to-day questions, HR and benefit managers have, ERISA attorney Larry Grudzien covers everything you need to know right now to legally administrate FMLA leave.
ACA (mis)Management: What Everyone Has Learned & the Game Plan for 2017benefitexpress
After our first ACA reporting season, it’s time to regroup and review what we’ve learned for 2016. The IRS is eliminating extensions and good faith efforts, raising penalties, and strictly limiting transitional relief.
With higher stakes, ERISA attorney Larry Grudzien reviews the changes to ACA reporting for 2016 and common ACA management issues.
In early July, the Department of Treasury announced it is delaying a key mandate of the Affordable Care Act: what's known as the 'Pay or Play' mandate. While pushing pause on this mandate gives large employers another year to prepare, we strongly advise businesses not to wait to start making strategic decisions. For more information, contact Fraser Trebilcock Senior Health Care and Business Attorney Mike James at mjames@fraserlawfirm.com or 517.377.0823. You can also find more information at www.milhealthlaws.com.
"Families First Coronavirus Response Act"NonprofitHR
Inside this Publication:
-The Big Picture
-Emergency Paid Family Leave
-Emergency Paid Sick Leave
-Changes to Group Health Plan Coverage Related to COVID-19 Testing
See more resources in Nonprofit HR's Coronavirus Digital Information Portal. www.nonprofithr.com/covid19
Note: The two emergency leave programs under this Act are essentially an extension of FMLA. Nonprofits are not exempt from the Families First Coronavirus Act.
Understanding the families first coronavirus response act (ffcra)Merchant Advisors
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) is designed to help businesses and employers survive the COIVID-19 outbreak and stay intact. https://www.onlinecheck.com/blog/small-business-resources/understanding-the-families-first-coronavirus-response-act-ffcra/
Families First Coronavirus Response Act: Paid Medical Leave and Paid Sick Lea...Traci Dale Pupillo
On March 18, 2020, President Trump signed into law the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (the Act), which requires employers with fewer than 500 employees to provide paid leave for specified reasons related to COVID-19. The Act will take effect April 1, 2020, and will expire on December 31, 2020.
The Impact of Communicable Diseases, Including Coronavirus, on the Workplace ...Financial Poise
When it comes to dealing with communicable disease-related issues within the workplace, planning is everything. What kinds of things might an employer do to lessen the impact of a communicable disease disaster on their business? Join this panel of experts as they explore these topics: (1) FFCRA-eligibility, hardship waivers, benefits required; (2) Increased employer medical screening, testing & temperature taking; (3) Managing remote work, how to assess eligibility for remote work (job descriptions, accommodations, electronic access); (4) Workplace communication--HIPAA, privacy, etc.
To listen to this webinar on-demand, go to: https://www.financialpoise.com/financial-poise-webinars/the-impact-of-communicable-diseases-on-the-workplace-2020/
This chapter examines the U.S. health care system—specifically, the organization of medical services; key governmental health programs such as Medicare and Medicaid; the crisis in health care, including attempts to curb health care costs; the large numbers of uninsured people; the impact of the American Medical Association on health care; and that of managed care in the American health care system.
Crystal Connection (1/2019): Trending News in Employee Benefits, January 2019Susan Glenn
The Crystal Connection monthly magazine provides the most up-to-date developments in federal and state regulations that affect employer-sponsored benefits programs, as well as trends in benefits. This is a must read for employers who want to stay compliant and in the know!
Similar to COVID-19: Families First Coronavirus Response Act Signed Into Law (20)
Plan Sponsor Webinar: Navigating COVID-19 for Employersbenefitexpress
In this webinar, we take a deeper look into how the novel coronavirus is not only affecting the way we live, but changing the way we work. From remote work environments, FMLA, contract agreements and more, we discuss how to navigate the changing workforce during this time of uncertainty, and answer questions to help you make the best decisions for the health and safety of your employees.
Part of our ERISA Compliance Series, this webinar is hosted by ERISA Attorney Larry Grudzien and moderated by chief marketing officer Julia Goebel. This webinar will discuss the top wage and hour issues that may be unknowingly lurking within your company.
The Affordable Care Act touches the lives of most Americans. In fact, nearly 21 million will be at risk if Obamacare is struck down, and may even lose health insurance completely if the law is ruled unconstitutional. This webinar will discuss what the outcome may be if ACA is repealed.
Watch our free one-hour webinar reviewing the rules for the new Individual Coverage HRA and the new Excepted Benefit HRA (ICHRA and EBHRA).
In June 2019, Treasury, DOL and HHS released final regulations that are effective for plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2020. These regulations created two new HRAs, Individual Coverage HRAs (ICHRA) and Excepted Benefit HRAs (EBHRA).
These new HRAs will be subject to ERISA and COBRA, but will not be subject to the nondiscrimination rules under Code Section 105(h). Any employer can offer these new HRAs to their employees. They can be offered to common law employees, but cannot be offered to self-employed individuals, partners and more than 2% S-Corporation shareholders.
Facilitated by ERISA attorney Larry Grudzien, and moderated by Chief Marketing Officer Julia Goebel, this webinar will cover the following:
-Why are these new HRAs so important?
-Which employees can be included or excluded
-What documentation is needed to be completed by employers to adopt them
-What reporting and disclosure requirements must be met
-What types of expenses can be reimbursed
-The pros and cons of establishing and participating in these new HRAs for employers
How to Administer Wellness Programs in Today's Regulatory Environmentbenefitexpress
Are you struggling to make sense of the recent legislative updates surrounding employer sponsored wellness programs? Perhaps you are trying to decide whether to continue with current wellness plans, modify your plans without guidance from the EEOC, postpone new wellness programs or discontinue them all together.
It’s a complicated landscape ripe with several options for “next steps” for employees and plan sponsors of wellness plans in 2019 — with perhaps the biggest barrier of all being that employers cannot measure the risk of wellness plans at this time.
To help guide you through this maze of options, watch our one-hour webinar on-demand to learn what rules remain after the EEOC’s regulations were found invalid and what rules have to be met in 2019 in order to offer a valid wellness program.
How to administer wellness programs in today's regulatory environment
This webinar covers:
Requirements under HIPAA
Requirements under the Internal Revenue Code
Requirements under ERISA
Requirements under GINA
Requirements under ADA
Requirements under ACA
HIPAA Training: Privacy Review and Audit Survival Guidebenefitexpress
HIPAA Privacy Overview for Employers. Review a helpful checklist of requirements an employer must adopt to stay compliant with HIPAA and to survive an audit by Health and Human Services (HHS).
Webinar | Texas vs. United States - The Repeal of ACA?benefitexpress
Recently a Federal District Court held in Texas, et al. v. United States of America, et al. that the individual mandate in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) is unconstitutional, and that the other provisions in the ACA are invalid because they are inseverable from the individual mandate.
Our ACA compliance webinar reviews:
- What the Federal District Court decided.
- The basis for the decision.
- The impact of the decision.
- What may happen over the next months or year.
- What Congress may do to address the situation.
Healthcare Check-in: The Latest Developments in Health and Welfare Plansbenefitexpress
We work in an exciting industry – which means quick changes are the norm, and adaptability is a necessity. Keep your compliance plans up to date with a download of all legislative changes since our last update webinar. This webinar covered legislation that's passed in the last six months, what's on the way, and what it means for your organization.
Webinar | From Analysis to Action: How Personalization Can Lower Employer Cos...benefitexpress
Personalization is everywhere – from Amazon to Spotify, and is now the expectation for consumers. Personalization in benefits elections is also the new normal, thanks to decision support tools and data analytics. Modern decision support tools draw on data points including demographics, preferences and medical need, all highly relevant towards personalization ... as opposed to the "one-size fits all" modeler of the past that relied on strict business rules.
Using data to advise clients can be a game changer for a broker. With analytics, you can quantify your benefit plan suggestions based on hard evidence, and advise based on unbiased data versus mere opinion. But where does this data come from? And how do you know which data to use?
This webinar shows how decision support tools can provide data to simplify health benefit decisions, allowing employees to feel more confident in their decisions, leading to lower costs for employers and client retention for brokers as a result.
In this webinar, brokers will learn how decision support analytics can reinforce their role as a trusted adviser by:
• Helping employer clients understand which health plans and programs are being used and which ones are the most cost-effective
• Minimizing the number of employees who are over-insured or under-insured, helping to save on annual and long-term costs for healthcare premiums, leading to better client retention over time
• Supporting healthy employee behaviors, resulting in lower health care expenses overall
FSAs can do some heavy lifting for your benefits plan – they allow employees to save pretax dollars for healthcare costs without the price tag of other financial wellness initiatives.
However, many HR professionals lack a deep understanding of the compliance requirements to offer and administer a well-rounded program for their employees. Engage your employees with a financial wellness benefit that works.
Key webinar takeaways:
- How different types of FSAs interact with benefit plans as a whole
- FSA and reimbursement limits for 2018
- Legal implications of offering an FSA to employees
- Best practices for administering a successful FSA benefit plan
Webinar | COBRA Pitfalls: Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Thembenefitexpress
Leaving the organization isn't the end of the benefits cycle for employees. This webinar focuses on how to avoid one of the most common compliance pitfalls in benefits ... COBRA administration.
Some of the top takeaways were:
• The basics of successful COBRA administration
• Required notices associated with COBRA coverage
• How Medicare interacts with COBRA for employees and dependents
• Penalties for noncompliance
Smooth and successful off-boarding of departing employees is as important as well-planned on-boarding of new hires. Log on to your roadmap for a smooth ride into COBRA compliance.
Webinar | Clients Calling “Mayday”? Design a Benefits Technology Strategy to ...benefitexpress
Benefits administration can be a delicate, and even difficult balancing act for employers. From managing costs and administrative demands, to maintaining compliance, and integrating with workforce wellness plans, it’s not surprising that three in four employers called “mayday” and turned to benefits administration outsourcing in 2017. With the administrative difficulty level rising, and advisory competition increasing, it is now critical to become the partner of choice to relieve this distress. But how?
Join Scott Evans, chief product officer at benefitexpress, this May Day, as he guides benefits advisers through the top considerations for building, buying or borrowing benefits administration technology solutions to offer clients. If you and your clients have benefits technology questions, Scott has answers.
Webinar takeaways include:
• How to assess your readiness: learn and identify the benefits administration business model that is right for you
• Key criteria for evaluating potential benefits technology partners, plus a valuable checklist
• How to create a benefits technology strategy for your business which is seen as an imperative – not a “value-add” – by your clients
• Tips for staying competitive in a changing market, using your solutions portfolio
Webinar | Training the Technique: Advanced ERISA Compliancebenefitexpress
If your organization offers any form of retirement plan, chances are you have questions about ERISA. This advanced compliance training will go beyond the basics of the requirements of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974.
Attend our one-hour training to learn:
- Which employers are affected by ERISA regulations
- Which benefits plans are subject to ERISA
- What documentation employers must provide to prove
compliance
- Penalties for noncompliance
ERISA attorney Larry Grudzien will share industry inside knowledge to help participants ensure total compliance with ERISA regulations.
Factors of Self-Funding: Evaluating the Pros and Consbenefitexpress
In a changing healthcare landscape, employers are increasingly considering taking the funding of their healthcare benefits into their own hands. If you're one of them, this webinar is the one-hour guide you must see.
Participants will learn:
- The legal implications associated with self-funding
- Common administrative pitfalls
- Solving employee issues involved in self-funded plans
- A full overview of laws and regulations governing self-funding
Our compliance expert will weigh in during a compact, one-hour guide.
Healthcare check in the latest developments in health and welfare plansbenefitexpress
We work in an exciting industry—which means quick changes are the norm, and adaptability is a necessity.
Keep your compliance plan up-to-date with a download of recent legislative changes.
We'll cover legislation that's passed, what's on the way, and what it means for your organization.
Topics Covered Include:
• IRS Information Letters
• Tax Reform Legislation
• Wellness Regulations - EEOC, AARP
• Comprehensive Guidance on QSEHRAs
• ACA: Elimination of Individual Mandate Penalty
• Employer Tax Credit for Paid Family and Medical Leave
• DOL Annual Adjustments to Employee Benefit Plan Penalties
• “Good Faith” Penalty Relief
• Final Disability Claim Regulations
• Cadillac Tax Updates
• And More!
Presented by Larry Grudzien, Attorney at Law
CDHP 101: Behind the Wheel of Consumer-Driven Plansbenefitexpress
The most effective benefits are the ones that fully engage employees - which is why employers are increasingly putting their employees in the driver's seat when it comes to choosing their plans.
"Cafeteria Plans" or Consumer-Driven Health Plans help employers efficiently offer tailored benefits to a diverse workforce.These plans can have immense benefits - but only if you don't hit common potholes in administering the plans. This webinar covers:
- A legal perspective on the pros and cons of CDHPs
- Compliance implications of using a benefits marketplace
- Best practices for administering a CDHP
Piece of Cake: Perfecting the Recipe for ACA Compliancebenefitexpress
Repeal and replace efforts have come and gone - it's time to prepare to comply with the Affordable Care Act for another year.
With chatter and speculation surrounding the ACA, it's easy to lose track of what's required of employers. Our one-hour refresher course covers:
- How to fill out form 1095-C
- Important filing dates
- Common compliance errors
- Penalties for noncompliance
Make this year’s ACA reporting a piece of cake.
Medical Technology Tackles New Health Care Demand - Research Report - March 2...pchutichetpong
M Capital Group (“MCG”) predicts that with, against, despite, and even without the global pandemic, the medical technology (MedTech) industry shows signs of continuous healthy growth, driven by smaller, faster, and cheaper devices, growing demand for home-based applications, technological innovation, strategic acquisitions, investments, and SPAC listings. MCG predicts that this should reflects itself in annual growth of over 6%, well beyond 2028.
According to Chris Mouchabhani, Managing Partner at M Capital Group, “Despite all economic scenarios that one may consider, beyond overall economic shocks, medical technology should remain one of the most promising and robust sectors over the short to medium term and well beyond 2028.”
There is a movement towards home-based care for the elderly, next generation scanning and MRI devices, wearable technology, artificial intelligence incorporation, and online connectivity. Experts also see a focus on predictive, preventive, personalized, participatory, and precision medicine, with rising levels of integration of home care and technological innovation.
The average cost of treatment has been rising across the board, creating additional financial burdens to governments, healthcare providers and insurance companies. According to MCG, cost-per-inpatient-stay in the United States alone rose on average annually by over 13% between 2014 to 2021, leading MedTech to focus research efforts on optimized medical equipment at lower price points, whilst emphasizing portability and ease of use. Namely, 46% of the 1,008 medical technology companies in the 2021 MedTech Innovator (“MTI”) database are focusing on prevention, wellness, detection, or diagnosis, signaling a clear push for preventive care to also tackle costs.
In addition, there has also been a lasting impact on consumer and medical demand for home care, supported by the pandemic. Lockdowns, closure of care facilities, and healthcare systems subjected to capacity pressure, accelerated demand away from traditional inpatient care. Now, outpatient care solutions are driving industry production, with nearly 70% of recent diagnostics start-up companies producing products in areas such as ambulatory clinics, at-home care, and self-administered diagnostics.
CRISPR-Cas9, a revolutionary gene-editing tool, holds immense potential to reshape medicine, agriculture, and our understanding of life. But like any powerful tool, it comes with ethical considerations.
Unveiling CRISPR: This naturally occurring bacterial defense system (crRNA & Cas9 protein) fights viruses. Scientists repurposed it for precise gene editing (correction, deletion, insertion) by targeting specific DNA sequences.
The Promise: CRISPR offers exciting possibilities:
Gene Therapy: Correcting genetic diseases like cystic fibrosis.
Agriculture: Engineering crops resistant to pests and harsh environments.
Research: Studying gene function to unlock new knowledge.
The Peril: Ethical concerns demand attention:
Off-target Effects: Unintended DNA edits can have unforeseen consequences.
Eugenics: Misusing CRISPR for designer babies raises social and ethical questions.
Equity: High costs could limit access to this potentially life-saving technology.
The Path Forward: Responsible development is crucial:
International Collaboration: Clear guidelines are needed for research and human trials.
Public Education: Open discussions ensure informed decisions about CRISPR.
Prioritize Safety and Ethics: Safety and ethical principles must be paramount.
CRISPR offers a powerful tool for a better future, but responsible development and addressing ethical concerns are essential. By prioritizing safety, fostering open dialogue, and ensuring equitable access, we can harness CRISPR's power for the benefit of all. (2998 characters)
Global launch of the Healthy Ageing and Prevention Index 2nd wave – alongside...ILC- UK
The Healthy Ageing and Prevention Index is an online tool created by ILC that ranks countries on six metrics including, life span, health span, work span, income, environmental performance, and happiness. The Index helps us understand how well countries have adapted to longevity and inform decision makers on what must be done to maximise the economic benefits that comes with living well for longer.
Alongside the 77th World Health Assembly in Geneva on 28 May 2024, we launched the second version of our Index, allowing us to track progress and give new insights into what needs to be done to keep populations healthier for longer.
The speakers included:
Professor Orazio Schillaci, Minister of Health, Italy
Dr Hans Groth, Chairman of the Board, World Demographic & Ageing Forum
Professor Ilona Kickbusch, Founder and Chair, Global Health Centre, Geneva Graduate Institute and co-chair, World Health Summit Council
Dr Natasha Azzopardi Muscat, Director, Country Health Policies and Systems Division, World Health Organisation EURO
Dr Marta Lomazzi, Executive Manager, World Federation of Public Health Associations
Dr Shyam Bishen, Head, Centre for Health and Healthcare and Member of the Executive Committee, World Economic Forum
Dr Karin Tegmark Wisell, Director General, Public Health Agency of Sweden
Telehealth Psychology Building Trust with Clients.pptxThe Harvest Clinic
Telehealth psychology is a digital approach that offers psychological services and mental health care to clients remotely, using technologies like video conferencing, phone calls, text messaging, and mobile apps for communication.
CHAPTER 1 SEMESTER V - ROLE OF PEADIATRIC NURSE.pdfSachin Sharma
Pediatric nurses play a vital role in the health and well-being of children. Their responsibilities are wide-ranging, and their objectives can be categorized into several key areas:
1. Direct Patient Care:
Objective: Provide comprehensive and compassionate care to infants, children, and adolescents in various healthcare settings (hospitals, clinics, etc.).
This includes tasks like:
Monitoring vital signs and physical condition.
Administering medications and treatments.
Performing procedures as directed by doctors.
Assisting with daily living activities (bathing, feeding).
Providing emotional support and pain management.
2. Health Promotion and Education:
Objective: Promote healthy behaviors and educate children, families, and communities about preventive healthcare.
This includes tasks like:
Administering vaccinations.
Providing education on nutrition, hygiene, and development.
Offering breastfeeding and childbirth support.
Counseling families on safety and injury prevention.
3. Collaboration and Advocacy:
Objective: Collaborate effectively with doctors, social workers, therapists, and other healthcare professionals to ensure coordinated care for children.
Objective: Advocate for the rights and best interests of their patients, especially when children cannot speak for themselves.
This includes tasks like:
Communicating effectively with healthcare teams.
Identifying and addressing potential risks to child welfare.
Educating families about their child's condition and treatment options.
4. Professional Development and Research:
Objective: Stay up-to-date on the latest advancements in pediatric healthcare through continuing education and research.
Objective: Contribute to improving the quality of care for children by participating in research initiatives.
This includes tasks like:
Attending workshops and conferences on pediatric nursing.
Participating in clinical trials related to child health.
Implementing evidence-based practices into their daily routines.
By fulfilling these objectives, pediatric nurses play a crucial role in ensuring the optimal health and well-being of children throughout all stages of their development.
COVID-19: Families First Coronavirus Response Act Signed Into Law
1. Families First Coronavirus Response Act Signed Into Law:
The Employer Guide to Inclusions,
Changes & Actionable Next Steps
2. On March 18, 2020, President Trump
signed the Families First Coronavirus
Response Act (“the Act”) into law.
We uncover what this means for
employers.
Government Response
3. Testing for COVID-19 and related
healthcare visits are now covered
by private health plans, Medicare,
Medicaid, Medicare Advantage
and other public insurance
plans. Applying to both insured
and self-funded plans, testing is
free of charge for consumers and
requires no prior authorization.
Coronavirus Testing: Now Free of Charge for Employees
4. Companies with less than 500 employees are required to provide more
extensive paid family leave and sick benefits related to COVID-19. These
comprehensive benefits will be funded by the federal government with
refundable tax credits within three months. Details include:
• Sick Leave: two weeks of fully paid leave to self-quarantine or seek treatment
and/or testing for COVID-19 and two weeks at two-thirds pay to care for a
child in the event schools or childcare facilities are closed.
Updates to Family and Sick Leave Benefits
• Family Leave: employees are allowed a minimum of 10 weeks leave with at least
two-thirds original compensation after a two-week unpaid period.
• Exceptions: The Department of Labor may exempt employers with less than 50
employees or healthcare workers and first responders from the Act. Employers
may also decide independently to exempt healthcare workers and emergency
responders.
5. Unemployment, Medicaid & Nutritional Services
The Act will appropriate $1 billion
to states for unemployment
insurance expansion, as well as
increased Medicaid funding and
nutritional services for low-income
households, especially children
and students who usually receive
meals at school.
6. Getting Started
To properly administer these new leave
requirements, it’s crucial that employers
connect with any internal or external
teams and legal professionals who assist
with leave administration and/or
employment laws. In the meantime,
please visit www.cdc.gov for updates on
COVID-19 and additional information, or
join our webinar on March 31, 2020 to
learn more.