North Bay Business Journal

Insurance veteran McKnight joins EPIC

PETALUMA — Edgewood Partners Insurance Center has brought on long-time Santa Rosa employee benefits consultant Victor McKnight as a principal in the Petaluma office. Mr. McKnight’s landing at EPIC comes barely two weeks after EPIC relocated to a bigger location in Petaluma and just over a year after its arrival in the North Bay.

Experts say employers must plan now for federal health care law

A much-debated poll recently predicted a majority of companies likely would drop employee health insurance as a result of the impending federal health care overhaul. Despite the controversy, North Bay insurance experts say businesses must grapple with coverage questions at the heart of the poll results now rather than waiting until the rules take effect.

Workplace wellness program to launch

SONOMA COUNTY – Health Action, a partnership of businesses, non-profits and local government, is poised to unveil its latest effort in improving the overall health of Sonoma County by recognizing employers who provide wellness options for workers.

INSURANCE: High-deductible plans: Savings and some concerns

High-deductible health plans lead to significantly lower spending on health care, but consumers also cut back on preventative services, according to a new study.

Insurance: Health bill provisions take effect; Tangram offers CompWest

A series of new provisions of health care reform took effect recently, as the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act reached its six-month milestone since passage.

Employers face tough choices for health plans

NORTH BAY — Throughout the health care reform debate, employers and employees alike were told they’d be able to keep their current health plans, if so desired. With the unveiling of details on the so-called “grandfathering” clause by the Department of Health and Human Services, however, brokers said such a prospect seems slim, and employers will face a series of tough choices regarding what type of plan they choose to offer employees as they attempt to grapple with still-rising costs.

Self-funding may be option as impact of health bill takes shape

SANTA ROSA — As employers large and small continue to debate the ramifications of the massive health bill passed in late March, larger businesses are pondering whether self-funding may be an attractive alternative in place of paying an insurer to provide employee benefits, according to human resources experts.

Behavior, transparency said keys to reducing health costs

SANTA ROSA, NORTH BAY –Employers occupy a vital role in transforming the U.S. health care system, not only as a payer but also with its influence, attendees were told Wednesday at the Business Journal’s annual health care conference.

Curbing costs at heart of health care event

NORTH BAY – With, without or despite reform, businesses are finding ways to become more than helpless bystanders to climbing health care costs. During the Business Journal’s Health Care Solutions that Work event next week, attendees will learn about one such nationally commended strategy – that is more than a wellness program – and hear a comprehensive panel featuring a current assessment of the reform bills, implications for small business and how access to care has and will change.

Health care conference to focus on solutions for employers, patients, providers

NORTH BAY – In the midst of one of the greatest debates ever on health care, the Business Journal will hold its annual Health Care Conference on Nov. 11 at the Hyatt Vineyard Creek in Santa Rosa.

A keynote speaker and panel of experts will tackle some of the key issues at the heart of this discussion, focusing on information that small businesses, patients and health care providers will need to help reduce costs and improve health in the North Bay.

Registration for the event will be 7:30 a.m., with the program from 8 to 11:30 a.m. Tickets are $49 per person or $510 for a table of 10, including company name on the table. To register, call 707-521-5264 or go online to www.NorthBayBusinessJournal.com.