Vermont
Vermont Has Again Been Named the Healthiest State in the Nation …
… and tops the list for a fifth straight year thanks in part to a high rate of high school graduation and low incidence of infectious disease.
The rankings, published online, have tracked the nation's health for the last two decades by evaluating 23 factors, including smoking, binge drinking, diabetes, high school graduation, immunization, prenatal care and obesity.
The annual report is published jointly by the foundation, American Public Health Association and Partnership for Prevention. It pulls data from sources including the Census Bureau, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Department of Education.
In addition to tracking results at the state level, the report compiles health trends nationwide.
The 2011 findings showed no progress in improving overall health this year after three years of gains.
Although there were modest overall decreases in smoking and preventable hospitalizations, major increases in obesity and diabetes were putting the population at risk, it said.
Gaydos emerges as strong voice in healthcare debates
Bob Gaydos is emerging as one of the most articulate voices of caution and common sense in Vermont's ongoing healthcare debate. For over 20 years he's helped hundreds of companies create and implement strategies for providing health insurance to their employees. He knows insurance, he knows what it takes to run a successful business, and he knows Vermont. He's also getting to know very well Act 48, Vermont's new universal health care law. Read more about Bob's health care reform expertise in True North Reports December issue: http://truenorthreports.com/gaydos-emerges-as-strong-voice-in-healthcare-debate
Keep up-to-date on Vermont Health Care Reform
The quickest way to stay informed on Vermont's health care reform? Join the Employer's Health Alliance. The Alliance is a community of Vermont employers working together to promote evidenced based health care reform. The membership cost is $500 per year and includes weekly newsletters and more. This is not a political group. For more information about content and or membership, contact Craig Fuller at cfuller@keller-fuller.com.
HHS Finally Releases Information about PPACA's Employer Wellness Program Grants
Remember those wellness plan grants that were included in PPACA and supposed to be rolled out in October 2010 but never were? Well now they are finally being rolled out!
The National Healthy Worksite Program is being rolled out by HHS and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This program is designed to assist employers in implementing science and practice-based prevention and wellness strategies that will lead to specific, measureable health outcomes to reduce chronic disease rates. For most employers, chronic diseases—such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, obesity, and diabetes—are among the most prevalent, costly, and preventable of all health problems. The National Healthy Worksite Program seeks to maintain good health through prevention, reduce chronic illness and disability, and improve productivity outcomes that contribute to employers' competitiveness. Interested employers are being asked to participate in informational webinars being held on January 13 and January 20. Go to the program’s website and/or e-mail address to register for the webinars and/or be certified as an eligible employer.
Register for a webinar: National Healthy Worksite Website
Ways to spend down your FSA money
One of the main characteristics of Flexible Spending Programs are the "use it or lose it" provision. Most FSA plans include a grace period until March 15th to use the money from the previous year. Below are some tips, provided by Wageworks, Inc and Savesmartspendhealthy.com to avoid forfeiting funds at the end of the year or grace period:
- Review your receipts.
There might be a number of items you need to buy or have already bought that are eligible for reimbursement. A list of eligible heath care and dependent care expenses are available online at www.wageworks.com
- Buy extra glasses, hearing-aid batteries
Another stand-by is a new pair of eyeglasses or extra boxes of contact lenses, and don't forget that appointment, often not covered by insurance, with an ophthalmologist or optometrist to get an updated prescription.
- Breathe easier
Spring allergy season may be months away, but consider stocking up now on allergy medications or air filters. For individuals who have allergies that affect their breathing, it may be easy to call their doctor and get a prescription for additional air filters.
- See the dentist
Due for a routine teeth cleaning in 2012? Consider moving up that appointment, or invest in preventive care such as replacing aging cavities to decrease your risk of a root canal and crown later. Remember that teeth whitening and other cosmetic dental procedures are not eligible FSA expenses.
- Restock the first-aid kit
If you don’t have a first-aid kit in your home, office and car, a doctor likely will be happy to write a letter of necessity for these basic safety items. If you already have a first-aid kit, check to see if it needs to be restocked and remember that even the Scooby Doo bandages your son loves qualify.
- Tap into alternative medicine
Cosmetic surgery, hair restoration and marriage counseling are not eligible. But fees paid to a holistic doctor or acupuncturist may qualify for FSA reimbursement.
- Invest in wellness
This is a great time to get back on track with wellness goals for the year and to save future medical expenses. Smoking cessation is eligible, as is weight-loss counseling, as long as receipts are accompanied by a letter of medical necessity.
- Log auto miles
Gas and transportation fees to and from eligible medical, dental and vision appointments are eligible for reimbursement, as are visits to the drug store or pharmacy to pick up medications. The mileage rate for 2011 is 19 cents per mile.
See a complete list of eligible FSA expenses at: www.wageworks.com
The website www.savesmartspendhealthy.com also provides lists of eligible expenses, savings calculators, videos and other resources.
