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BUSINESS M A G A Z I N E Manufacturer & Business Association
Enhances ‘e ’ Solution
All-electronic offering provides greater efficiency, lower costs in delivery of health-care benefits / Page 12
VOLUME XXIV, NUMBER 4
APRIL 2011
A conversation with
JACK WElCh And special guest moderator, FOX Business News Anchor
STUART VARNEY We cordially invite you to join us
Tuesday, June 28, 2011 for our 106th Annual Event
Major Sponsors
at the Bayfront Convention Center. 5:30 p.m. Member Cocktail Reception 7 p.m. Keynote Address
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April 2011
Blue Ocean Strategy Center
EDITORIAL >
FEATURES >
Coping with addiction in the workplace.
CRAIG MURPHEY
Scott Whalen, Ph.D., FACHE, who recently took over as Saint Vincent Health System's president and chief executive officer, shares his thoughts on the future of Saint Vincent, Erie’s oldest medical institution founded by the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania in 1875, and the state of health care nationwide.
11 / Wellness News
12 / UPMC Health Plan
7 / Health Matters
JAMES SCHUSTER, MD, MBA
9 / Legal Brief
What’s covered? What’s not? Why you should closely examine your Commercial General Liability policy.
Why it’s important to be screened for peripheral artery disease. GREG KNECHT
21 / Blue Ocean Strategy
How complementary products and services can offer exceptional value for your customers and noncustomers. ANGIE ANGUS
Events
HR Essential Series – Erie From left: Betty McWilliams, Partners Oil for Performance, and Teresa Roblee, Country Federal Credit Union.
ny ition Ceremo Training Recogn a series & Business Association recently held The Manufacturer than 100 graduates of its of luncheons to recognize the more training programs. Visit professional development and computer .org for complete coverage. the Photo Gallery on www.mbausa
Erie HR Essential Series –Mary’s Jo Moore, Home of Erie; Deborah Bax and Kari From left: Robert R. Miles, St. Wilson, Matric Limited; and Vicki Jackson, Roberts Trucking Company, LLC; Sherri Northshore Neurosciences.
Blue Ocean Strategy Center
HR Essential Series – Erie Family
From left: Deanne Champagne, Services of Warren County, Inc., and Association HR Supervisor Stacey Bruce.
3 / Spotlight
5 24
Discover how UPMC Health Plan’s allelectronic “e” solution is streamlining the communication and delivery of health-care benefits among employer, employee and insurer.
17 / On the Hill
Association State Government Affairs Relations Representative Anna McCauslin explains the flawed thinking behind the controversial legislation known as “Obamacare” and the MBA’s 12 priorities for federal health-care reform.
ES S BMUa Sg IN a z i n e Manufacturer & Business Associati
VOLUME XXIV, NUMBER 4
on
APRIL 2011
Enhances ‘e ’ Solution
efficiency, All-electronic offering provides greater benefits / Page 12 lower costs in delivery of health-care
< 24 / SPECIAL SECTION
Training Graduates Erie HR Essential Series – DeSantis, Pam Shriners Hospitals for Children – Erie;
Front row, from left: Christine Rachel Hughes, Clancy-Young, Meadville Area FCU; Hultquist, Targeted Pet Treats; Heather Medicor Associates, Inc. Sisters of Saint Joseph; and Ed Maras, Young, Pittsburgh The Electric Materials Co.; LaDonna Back row, from left: Cheryl Murray, Provider Resources Inc.; Jessie Mulholland, Plastics Manufacturing; Erma Lombardozzi, Presque Isle Meadville Area FCU; and Lauri Boettcher, Ainsworth Pet Nutrition; Amber Hall, & Business Association attorney. Wine Cellars; and Tammy Lamary, Manufacturer Community Resource Center Not pictured: Mary Schmidt of the Multicultural
– Franklin Leadership for Team Leaders Porter, Franklin-Oil Saunders, Theresa Webb and Nikki From left: Dawn Wheeling, Sandy Franklin-Oil Creek Production; and Judy Groner, Region Credit Union; Tracey Pettit, French Region Credit Union.
DEPARTMENTS >
– Erie Mary Supervisory Skills SeriesOmni Plastics; Sharon Knapp, Medicor Associates;
5 / Business Buzz 15 / The Network Leaders – Butler Leadership for TeamStewart, Robin Madliger and Kathy Marks, II-VI Front row, from left: Kristen Incorporated.
Dave Mike George, Wally Busch, Todd Rattigan, Back row, from left: Christian Werner, Lang, II-VI Incorporated. Ekis, Cliff Farmer, John Duster and David
24 < www.mbausa.org < April 2011
Front row, from left: Sam Marvin, Quinn, Larson Jeff Rossi, McInnes Rolled Rings; Suzette Batson and Marissa Nieratko, ACL-CPI; Rolled Rings; & Aluminum; Heather Danowski, McInnes Texts, Inc.; Amber O’Neil, Erie Bronze Larson Texts, Inc. and Mary Burke and Kathleen Williams, School District; Manufacturing Co.; Brian Diller, Erie Back row, from left: Kyle Gates, Corry Medicor Robert Gilbert, Signal-Tech; Hugh Rial, Co.; Jennifer Brent Sullivan, McInnes Rolled Rings; and Shawn Maynard, Corry Manufacturing Associates; Chris Day, Steve Hawkins Erie Bronze & Daniels, Andy and Manufacturing; Lakes Pezdek, ACL-CPI; Fred Cooke, Great Aluminum.
See photos of the Association’s more than 100 professional development and computer training graduates.
19 / HR Connection 22 / HR Q&A 29 / People Buzz
22
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April 2011 > www.mbausa.org > 1
Welcomes
Bret Baier
KEYNOTE SPEAKER & FOX NEWS ANCHOR
68 th ANNUAL EVENT Sponsored by:
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MAY 11, 2011
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SPOTLIGHT > by Karen Torres On January 1, 2011, Scott Whalen, Ph.D., FACHE, took over as Saint Vincent Health System's president and chief executive officer, replacing retired CEO Angela Bontempo. Whalen brings 16 years of executive leadership experience in health care to this position, plus an additional 13 years of medical research experience. The Business Magazine recently asked Whalen to share his thoughts on the future of Saint Vincent, Erie’s oldest medical institution founded by the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania in 1875, and the state of health care nationwide.
You joined Saint Vincent in August 2010 after serving as executive in residence for the University of North Florida’s Department of Health. Please explain why you decided to be a part of the Saint Vincent team. I was looking for a challenging position as an executive with an institution that had a strong sense of Mission, leadership and performance. When I looked at Saint Vincent Health System, I found those attributes. Saint Vincent is a strong, vibrant Catholic healthcare institution centered on faith-based patient care. Saint Vincent also has a strong management team and a strong, long-tenured work force. That says a lot about the dedication of the institution to the community and the fact that people want to work here. An added bonus was that moving to Erie placed me closer to my family who live in the Midwest. You have an extensive background in health care. Could you briefly describe some of your most recent positions and how this experience is benefiting your new leadership role at Saint Vincent? I have spent an extensive amount of time in very competitive markets. As our market changes, I look forward to the opportunity to help Saint Vincent continue to grow and remain a quality provider of health care for this region. In addition, I have had the opportunity to teach leadership and mentoring skills to Master of Health Administration students. With the clinical training that I have had, I believe it helps me to relate to some of the caregivers in the hospital. These experiences and diverse situations will help me to further develop my skills and add value to Saint Vincent. What are your thoughts on health-care reform and the challenges it presents? Health-care reform, in its most basic form, was driven by the data showing ever-increasing costs without a demonstrable increase in quality. Reform mandates a total change of the health-care delivery system that focuses on quality, not quantity of care, given across the entire continuum. The challenges center around the uncertainty of funding a system based on volume, while converting to a quality driven payment model. In some ways, we will be operating under two business models simultaneously. Saint Vincent Health Center is building a new Emergency Department (ED) as part of its current $35-million construction project. Please explain the necessity for such an expansion. The Saint Vincent Emergency Department was originally built to care for 30,000 patients per year and currently our doctors and nurses are treating more than 70,000 each year. The new ED is designed to address the continued growth as well as the needs of the future. We will be one of just a handful of EDs in the country that will offer this new type of delivery method. For patients, it will provide more efficient access and, for the community, it will be able to accommodate hundreds of patients in the event of a disaster. The current construction project also includes expanded Operating Room Suites needed to accommodate additional surgeons at Saint Vincent plus robotic, larger and more technically advanced equipment used during surgery. With constant mergers and consolidations of hospitals across the country, how would you describe the future of Saint Vincent as an independently operated health-care system? Saint Vincent is positioned well for the future. We continue to explore potential affiliations based on specific tactical strategies. However, we are not looking for a cash transaction. We are not looking to be purchased. We want to maintain local control, and we are determined to enhance the quality of care in our community at Saint Vincent.
VOL. X XIV, NO. 4 APRIL 2011 Manufacturer & Business Association Board of Governors
Editor in Chief
Executive Editor
Managing Editor & Senior Writer Contributing Writers
Yvonne Atkinson-Mishrell John Cline Dale Deist Bill Hilbert Jr. Timothy Hunter Dan Ignasiak J. Gordon Naughton John B. Pellegrino Sr., P.E. Dennis Prischak Robert S. Pursell Lorenzo Simonelli Phil Tredway Ralph Pontillo rpontillo@mbausa.org John Krahe jkrahe@mbausa.org Karen Torres ktorres@mbausa.org Angie Angus Jessica Crocker Greg Knecht Craig Murphey James Schuster, MD, MBA
Cover Illustration
UPMC Health Plan
Advertising Sales
Patty Welther 814/833-3200 or 800/815-2660 pwelther@mbausa.org
Design, Production & Printing
Printing Concepts Inc. printcon@erie.net
ON THE COVER: Learn how UPMC Health Plan's all-electronic “e” solution is streamlining the communication and delivery of health-care benefits among employer, employee and insurer. For full story, see page 12.
Mission Statement The Manufacturer & Business Association is dedicated to providing information and services to its members that will assist them in the pursuit of their business and community interests. – Board of Governors Manufacturer & Business Association 2171 West 38th Street Erie, Pa. 16508 814/833-3200 or 800/815-2660 www.mbausa.org © Copyright 2011 by the Manufacturer & Business Association. All rights reserved. Reproduction or use of editorial, pictorial or advertisements created for use in the Business Magazine, in any manner, without written permission from the publisher, is prohibited. Unsolicited manuscripts cannot be returned unless accompanied by a properly addressed envelope bearing sufficient postage. The magazine accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts or artwork. The Business Magazine and Manufacturer & Business Association do not specifically endorse any of the products or practices described in the magazine. The Business Magazine is published monthly by the Manufacturer & Business Association, 2171 West 38th Street, Erie, Pa. 16508. Phone: 814/833-3200 or 800/815-2660.
April 2011 > www.mbausa.org > 3
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Business Buzz COLONIAL FAMILY PHARMACY CELEBRATES GRAND OPENING
Colonial Family Pharmacy owners Bob and Christy Heath with state Senator Jane Earll (center).
DEPARTMENTS > Contact: Jessica Crocker
A grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony for Colonial Family Pharmacy was held recently at its new location, 3822 Colonial Avenue in Greater Erie. Among those in attendance were Pharmacist Bob Heath, who owns the store with his wife, Christy, and state Senator Jane Earll (R-49). “There was really a lack of an independent presence here,” said Bob Heath of the southwest Millcreek Township pharmacy location, “and we felt we could fill the gap and provide the level of service that people expect and want.”
FIND OUT HOW YOU CAN MAKE TAX CREDITS WORK FOR YOUR BUSINESS At the Manufacturer & Business Association’s March’s Eggs ‘n’ Issues briefing, Dennis Grow, CPA/PFS, principal at Schaffner, Knight, Minnaugh & Company, P.C. in Erie, presented on the benefits of Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC). Not only does the EITC give businesses the opportunity to invest in tomorrow’s work force, but companies also earn a substantial tax credit in the process.
The store features a full line of overthe-counter medications, vitamins and supplements, free prescription delivery by a pharmacist, in-home prescription and cost analysis by appointment, as well as drive-thru services. For more information, visit www.colonialfamilypharmacy.com. ATG TO BE FEATURED IN APRIL CABLE PROGRAM The Pennsylvania Cable Network (PCN) recently filmed a segment at Erie’s American Tinning & Galvanizing. The 80-year-old company will be featured on an upcoming PCN Tours program, tentatively scheduled to air April 10, and will provide a behindthe-scenes look at American Tinning’s metal finishing operations. Established in 1931, American Tinning is a third-generation family owned business and operates from a 72,000-square-foot facility at 552 West 12th Street.
Association members can learn more about the EITC program and how they can take advantage of these tax credits by contacting Grow at 814/454-1997 Ext. 219 or dgrow@skmco.com.
For more information on the upcoming program, visit www.pcntv.com/shows_tours.html.
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April 2011 > www.mbausa.org > 5
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Health Matters
EDITORIAL > by James Schuster, MD, MBA
Coping with Addiction in the Workplace The workplace is not immune from problems that plague society as a whole. That includes substance abuse and addiction. According to labor statistics, a vast majority of people who are drug users, binge and heavy drinkers, and other people with a substance abuse problem, are also people who are employed. A survey in 2007 indicated that 8.4 percent of all full-time workers used illicit drugs and 8.8 percent reported heavy alcohol use. Employers need to understand there is a cost to addiction that impacts the workplace. The cost in terms of productivity can often be substantial. The most obvious effects are absenteeism and tensions between the employer and the employee, as well as increased accidents. Because addiction impacts every facet of a person’s life, the problem needs to be addressed at many different levels, including the workplace. Dependency on drugs or alcohol can severely compromise an employee’s ability to contribute to the success of the company. In addition, addiction does not just impact the employee. Nearly 40 percent of industrial fatalities and 47 percent of industrial injuries can be tied to alcohol or consumption of alcoholism. The U.S. Department of Labor estimates that employees who abuse substances are 25-percent to 30-percent less productive and miss work three times more often than non-abusing employees.
Warning Signs of Workplace Addiction: • Extreme fluctuations in mood • Slurred speech • Belligerent behavior • Decreased inhibition • Frequent tardiness and unexplained absences Remember: There are few explicit warning signs connected to addiction and often addicts are almost experts in hiding their condition from others. What Employers Should Do if They Suspect Alcohol or Drug Abuse As an employer you should be focused on helping the employee get back on track and not on offering a diagnosis for his or her condition. There is no need to form an opinion of your employee based on his or her addiction. It is important to understand that substance abuse definitely has the markers of a disease. There are clear genetic relationships and people who metabolize alcohol more quickly are more likely to have alcohol problems. When to Take Action If an employee’s drug use directly affects that person’s performance at work and relationships with coworkers, an employer can justify taking some kind of action. A logical first step would be to refer the employee to human resources, or, if possible, an employee assistance program (EAP). An accurate assessment of the problem is possible by following this route and they can assist with evaluation of disciplinary options if needed. The employee needs to be held accountable for his or her actions. He should not be permitted to continue
his self-destructive behavior at work. This limitation must be communicated to supervisors and co-workers alike. The workplace can serve as a framework to counteract the denial and manipulation that often goes with alcoholism. An employee needs to work to make money and the risk of losing that can be strong motivation to get help for problems. The workplace is also the best place where behavior patterns can be accurately documented and that documentation can be used to convince an employee to seek help and change behavior. While it is true an employee needs the encouragement and support of an employer to make it through, that person may ultimately need more than what the workplace can provide. Remember, alcoholism is really a chronic illness for many people, so relapses are possible. For more information about coping with addiction in the workplace, visit www.upmchealthplan.org. James Schuster, MD, MBA, is chief medical officer at Community Care, a behavioral health organization that is part of the integrated partner companies of the UPMC Insurance Services Division. These include UPMC Health Plan, UPMC Work Partners, LifeSolutions, UPMC for You (Medical Assistance), and E-Benefits – and which offer a full range of insurance programs and products.
April 2011 > www.mbausa.org > 7
Legal Brief
EDITORIAL > by Craig Murphey
Do I Have Coverage For That? Maybe Not … A Commercial General Liability ("CGL") policy is the centerpiece of any commercial insurance package. It is designed to protect a business from lawsuits for personal injury or property damage. But how broad is the coverage? Will it protect you in common situations? Here's a quiz. Each of these scenarios is taken from a lawsuit filed here in Pennsylvania. Do you think the defendant business had coverage for the claimed losses? Scenario 1 A general contractor built a house on a parcel near New Castle. The homeowners moved in and within two years they discovered the house was sinking because it was built on unstable ground. Doors and windows came ajar, and the floors buckled. The homeowners sued the builder for the money necessary to rebuild the house elsewhere. The builder sought coverage from his CGL carrier. Scenario 2 A heating contractor in suburban Philadelphia had a contract to provide maintenance for a school district's boilers. The district sued the contractor, alleging that certain boilers were damaged and had to be replaced because the contractor had failed to carefully inspect and maintain them, as required by the maintenance contract. The contractor asked his CGL carrier to provide coverage. Scenario 3 A large Allegheny County homebuilder constructed dozens of houses using roofing materials that included a type of plywood that had been treated with a fire retardant. Unfortunately, the chemical caused the plywood to degrade, significantly reducing the structural integrity of the roofs.
The builder put new roofs on all the damaged houses. The builder sought coverage from its CGL carrier for the cost of replacing all parts of the roofs except for the defective plywood.
builder would have had coverage for damage to property that was not part of his original work, such as water damage to the homeowner's furniture caused by the defective roof.
What do you think? Are these the types of losses you expect your CGL policy to cover? I hope not because in each of these cases the CGL carrier denied coverage, and Pennsylvania's courts agreed with the denial.
According to the Superior Court of Pennsylvania: “General liability insurance policies are intended to provide coverage where the insured's product or work causes personal injury or damage to the person or property of another … they are not the equivalent of a performance bond.” While CGL policies provide broad coverage, there are limitations. So, to paraphrase Sergeant Esterhaus (from Hill Street Blues for all of you born after 1980): Be careful out there! Review your policies with your insurance professional to be sure your primary business activities are covered.
In Scenario 1, coverage was denied because the builder's CGL policy did not protect him from having to repair damage to his own product or work. He was the general contractor, so his “product” was the entire house. A CGL policy is designed to protect a business from accidental injury to another person or another's product. For example, if the instability caused the chimney to collapse and falling bricks damaged a vehicle parked in the driveway, the CGL carrier would owe coverage for the car owner's claim. There was no coverage in Scenario 2 because the claims were based on breach of the maintenance contract. The school district claimed the boilers had to be replaced because of inadequate maintenance. Breach of contract claims — claims that you did not perform as you agreed to — are not usually covered by a CGL policy. On the other hand, had the contractor's poor maintenance caused a boiler to explode, the CGL policy would have provided coverage for damage to the building, but not for replacement of the boiler. Finally, the builder in Scenario 3 had no coverage because the entire roofing system was his own product. Thus, there was no coverage for any of the roofing re-work. Again, the
For more information about CGL policies for your business, please contact Craig Murphey at MacDonald, Illig, Jones & Britton LLP at 814/8707655 or cmurphey@mijb.com.
Craig Murphey, chair of MacDonald Illig's Insurance Practice Group, has been a civil litigator for over 20 years. He concentrates his practice in the areas of insurance coverage, trials and appeals. He frequently represents both policyholders and insurance carriers in insurance disputes, and in the litigation of insured claims. He currently serves as president of the Pennsylvania Defense Institute.
April 2011 > www.mbausa.org > 9
DOES YOUR CPA DOES YOUR CPA MEASURE MEASURE UP? UP?
Many CPA firms provide many services to many clients, but at Many CPA firms provide many services to many clients, but at Schaffner, Knight, Minnaugh & Company, P.C., we stress quality, Schaffner, Knight, Minnaugh & Company, P.C., we stress quality, not quantity. not quantity. By paying attention to the numerous details of your business, By paying attention to the numerous details of your business, we find unidentified opportunities for you, and ways for you to do we find unidentified opportunities for you, and ways for you to do business better — that’s quality. We do the homework on your business better — that’s quality. We do the homework on your business — that’s quality. We affiliate with the McGladrey Alliance — business — that’s quality. We affiliate with the McGladrey Alliance — that’s quality. Sometimes know,and and that’s quality. Sometimesyou youdon’t don’tknow knowwhat what you you don’t don’t know, that’s ourour niche. A piece ofofour for you. you. that’s niche. A piece ourmind mindequals equalspeace peace of of mind mind for CallCall us,us, andand wewe will measure much more. more. will measureup uptotoyour yourstandards standards and and much
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Erie Offices Jamestown Offices 1001 State Street, Suite 1300 500 Pine Street, Suite 14 Erie Offices Jamestown Offices Erie, Pennsylvania 16501 Jamestown, NY 14701 1001 State Street, Suite 1300 500 Pine Street, Suite 14 814-454-1997 716-483-0071 Erie, Pennsylvania 16501 Jamestown, NY 14701 The McGladrey Alliance is a premier affiliation of independent accounting and consulting firms. The McGladrey Alliance member firms maintain their name, autonomy and independence and are responsible for their own client fee arrangements, delivery of services and maintenance of client Certified Public Accountants 814-454-1997 716-483-0071
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relationships. The McGladrey Alliance is a business of RSM McGladrey, Inc., a leading professional services firm providing tax and consulting services. McGladrey is the brand under which RSM McGladrey, Inc. and McGladrey & Pullen, LLP serve clients’ business needs. McGladrey, the McGladrey
logo andAlliance the McGladrey Alliance signatures are used underaccounting license by RSM McGladrey, firms. Inc. and & Pullen, LLP.member firms maintain their name, autonomy and independence and are responsible for their own client fee arrangements, delivery of services and maintenance of client The McGladrey is a premier affiliation of independent and consulting TheMcGladrey McGladrey Alliance relationships. The McGladrey Alliance is a business of RSM McGladrey, Inc., a leading professional services firm providing tax and consulting services. McGladrey is the brand under which RSM McGladrey, Inc. and McGladrey & Pullen, LLP serve clients’ business needs. McGladrey, the McGladrey logo and the McGladrey Alliance signatures are used under license by RSM McGladrey, Inc. and McGladrey & Pullen, LLP.
Wellness News
EDITORIAL > by Gregory Knecht
Should You Be Screened for Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)? Communities around the country have felt the surge of marketing, by mostly private, for-profit companies, encouraging people to get screened for disease of the arteries. The claims made and testimonials given often make us believe that this is a “must” for the progressive consumer. The medical community has not taken a stand specifically for, or against, these screenings. So what is the value of Vascular Screenings, which are not covered by insurance? Research shows that approximately 85 percent of 50-year-old North Americans may have measurable fatty deposits in their carotid arteries. This disease, atherosclerosis, is the leading cause of death in the United States in men and women in the 65to 85-year-old age group. This is a progressive disease of the arteries and leads to most heart attacks and some strokes. A buildup of fatty plaque eventually leads to a severe narrowing and lack of blood flow to the brain or the heart. It is the second most likely cause of death in those ages 45 to 65. In most cases, atherosclerosis is a slow, symptomless process, which typically takes up to 20 years to develop a plaque significant enough to cause a narrowing that will affect blood flow, usually a narrowing greater than 70 percent. Fewer plaque deposits rarely produce a symptom but are equally dangerous if they rupture and cause a blood clot attached to the fatty deposit. Sudden, acute coronary thrombosis is responsible for a significant number of fatal heart attacks in those without previous symptoms. Treatment Options The current treatment of this silent disease is to reduce risk factors such
as smoking, inactivity or obesity. Avoiding high blood pressure and diabetes is also stressed. However, there are risk factors that are not controllable, such as aging, gender, and the level of cholesterol that your liver produces. So our current “early detection system” is a risk profile that predicts the likelihood of a stroke or heart attack in the next 10 years. The risk increases depending on the number of an individual’s risk factors. Those identified as “high risk” are encouraged to modify their lifestyle or take medications to inhibit the production of cholesterol by the liver (statins). Unfortunately, it is estimated that less than 50 percent of the American public takes this seriously and heart attack and stroke remain the first and third leading cause of death, a statistic largely unchanged since World War II. In addition, the economic burden of this disease continues to increase. Today, specifically identifying those who are developing plaques using ultrasound and examining peripheral arteries (PAD) as surrogate markers for coronary arteries is becoming a powerful, novel and validated way to convince the public to take steps to slow its inevitable progression. Rather than go to a church or firehall, these safe and painless screenings are now offered at community hospitals, which typically provide education and counseling at the time of the screens. More and more corporations also are embracing these screenings as a way to reduce the burden of insurance premiums. Vascular Screenings Worth Discussing With Your Physician, Insurance Provider Many experts agree that vascular
screening is here to stay. A recommendation from your physician will help direct you to a program that includes education and counseling at the time of the screen. Just as the colonoscopy has dramatically reduced the rate of death from colon and rectal cancer, early detection and serial examination of peripheral artery plaque using ultrasound will dramatically reduce the rate of deaths from stroke and heart attack. And, just as the colonoscopy went from being a procedure not covered by health plans just 20 years ago, to a “must” for those over the age of 50, vascular screening likely will become commonplace and a covered expense for those with insurance. In the interim, it would be advisable to discuss this with your physician or insurance plan administrator. As a person who has atherosclerosis, I would highly recommend it. For more information about PAD screenings, contact Greg Knecht at gregk@medicorassociates.com, visit www.hamot.org/pad/ or call 814/877-5942.
Greg Knecht is a registered vascular and cardiac sonographer, program director and one of the founders of the Vascular Screening program at UPMC Hamot Heart Institute in Erie, Pennsylvania.
UPMC Health Plan Enhances ‘e ’ Solution
All-electronic offering provides greater efficiency, lower costs in delivery of health-care benefits From a business point of view, what’s better than an option that is fast and easy to use and that produces no paperwork? How about one that does all that and is less expensive as well? Employer groups are now getting all of that – and more – from “e,” the all-electronic solution from UPMC Health Plan. UPMC Health Plan’s “e” option uses technology to make healthcare benefits delivery not only more efficient and more affordable, but also environmentally friendly. That’s in addition to its ability to make things easier for both the company and its employees. The all-electronic option streamlines communication among employer, employee and insurer.
How ‘e’ Works
For companies with two to 50 eligible employees, employers can submit applications directly online. A UPMC Health Plan representative will contact them and an illustrative quote will be available less than 48 hours later. After all employees complete and submit online medical questionnaires, a final rate will be provided. For companies with 51 or more employees, employers must submit their company’s application online. Then they will be contacted and an initial quote will be provided within 72 hours. After UPMC Health Plan receives census data for all employees, along with other past provider information, a final rate will be provided. 12 < www.mbausa.org < April 2011
Popularity of ‘e’ on the Rise
Since UPMC Health Plan first introduced the “e” option in 2010, its popularity with employer groups has been proven by its extremely high renewal rates. Reasons for its popularity vary from group to group, but certain things stand out. It is well liked because it is a paperless system that comprises every aspect of health insurance from the quoting process to the billing process. It is popular because it saves businesses money. And, companies like the fact that “e” eliminates hassles as well. Hassles such as having to fax employee status changes are now eliminated because everything is done online. “We had no issues at all,” said Keith Fortner, president of First National Bank of Port Allegany in McKean County, who signed his bank up for the “e” option in 2010. “We get an e-mail telling us our bill is ready and an e-mail to say they received payment. It makes it so much easier.” Employer groups that have fewer than 100 employees can choose “e” and receive a discount on monthly premiums. Employer groups have the additional option of increasing that discount by choosing “e” along with UPMC Dental Advantage. “With `e,’ our clients have an option that saves them money, saves them
UPMC Health Plan’s all-electronic option streamlines communication among employer, employee and insurer.
www.upmchealthplan.com. MyTown Square – an interactive Web tool for members – contains everything from certificates of coverage, benefit riders and schedules of benefits, to wellness information. Members also can go online to find a doctor, a hospital or other health providers. Explanation of Benefits – An explanation of Benefits (EOB) shows payments made to health care providers by both the member and UPMC Health Plan. Employees receive e-mail alerts when their EOBs are available at MyHealth OnLine. Keith Fortner’s motivation to choose “e” for the First National Bank of Port Allegany in McKean County was pretty simple at first. “I wanted to save a few bucks,” said Fortner. “In today’s business world, you look to save a penny whenever you can. We were offered a discount on our premium, so we took it.” But once the bank had chosen the option, Fortner saw how easy it was and how much sense it made for their operation. “We were already familiar with that type of platform dealing with other kinds of insurance, so we weren’t apprehensive about it at all,” Fortner said. time, produces less paper and is easy for their employees to use,” said Kimberly L. Cepullio, executive director of Sales, Account Management and Product Development for UPMC Health Plan. “The convenience of `e’ makes it a smart investment for any business.” Employers that have not yet chosen “e,” may be concerned about the difficulty in getting it implemented with their staff. That is why, in 2011, UPMC Health Plan is enhancing “e” to make it more user-friendly for both employers and members. Not only has the electronic medical questionnaire online been simplified, but members can now take advantage of extended hours to call for assistance in completing the questionnaire, or to get answers to any questions – 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays.
“Now we’re looking forward to having the added advantage of being able to make our payments online. It sounds funny, but banks don’t like to write checks if we don’t have to, either.” Timberland Federal Credit Union (FCU) of DuBois, Clearfield County, also saw “e” as a good fit for the company. “We’re a company that tries to drive people to do more business electronically instead of using paper, so why shouldn’t we be doing the same when we can? It just makes sense,” said Carrie Wood, CEO of Timberland FCU. “As we expected, we’ve had no real surprises with `e.’ Everything’s going really smoothly.” For more information about “e”, visit www.upmchealthplan.com/e, contact your insurance broker, or call 1-888-383-UPMC (8762).
How is ‘e’ Easier?
Employee status updates: There’s no need to fax or mail anything. All updates are made online and submitted immediately to the Health Plan’s database. Billing: Through the secure Employer OnLine Web site, members can review their bills and bill history and pay through UPay, UPMC’s exclusive electronic bill payment system, and pay with any major credit card or make a payment directly from a checking or savings account. Member welcome materials: Employees can access their plan – and member-specific documents that are securely stored and available 24/7 – when they log in to MyHealth OnLine at Not only has the electronic medical questionnaire online been simplified, but members also can now take advantage of extended hours to call for assistance. Kimberly L. Cepullio, executive director of Sales, Account Management and Product Development at UPMC Health Plan, says the convenience of “e” makes it a smart investment.
April 2011 > www.mbausa.org > 13
You wouldn’t knowingly do this…
Our workers’ compensation premium audit services can stop wasteful spending. We uncover errors in your workers’ compensation job classifications and payroll audits to save you money. Manufacturer We identified an opportunity to move a manager from the Machine Shop classification, prepared all of the documentation for the insurance company, and achieved a refund of $6,000 for our client. A corresponding amount will be saved each year going forward. Social Services We reclassified billing and other operations from Hospital to the Physician classification and moved six clerical employees from the Home Health Care classification to the Hospital class, resulting in an annual savings of $24,000. Contractor We identified a new class, “Electricians,” for an HVAC contractor, which was accepted by the PA Rating Bureau, resulting in an initial savings of $1,100 and an equivalent savings each year thereafter. Manufacturer We found two employees (total payroll of $100,000) who can be moved from Machine Shop, resulting in an annual savings of $1,700. Manufacturer We found that 25 employees (approximately $927,000 of payroll) were misclassified as Manufacturing; we achieved a reclassification, resulting in an annual savings of $12,000.
Our compensation comes from the savings we achieve, but this service continues to be free for our clients.
“The Bloomstines” Commercial, Industrial & Institutional Property, Liability & Workers’ Compensation Insurance Agents 123 West 9th Street Erie, PA 16501 814-452-3200 Fax 814-454-5598 www.imcerie.com john.bloomstine@imcerie.com
The Network RALPH S. ALBERTS CO. FINDS NICHE IN NATURAL GAS INDUSTRY The Ralph S. Alberts Co., Inc. (RS Alberts), a multifaceted custom molder located in Montoursville, is capitalizing Y Corporate Wellness on Pennsylvania’s burgeoning natural corporate membership and wellness programs are gas Yindustry by adapting a decades-old a great value to you and your business. As Y members, process to the market’s current needs. employees have unlimited access to all four Y
of experience with spray foams and spray polyureas, specializes in injection molding, foam molding, hand casting, liquid resin casting, roto casting and thermal plastic rubber casting.
WORKPLACE WELLNESS. IT’S WELL WORTH IT.
Tri-Community Pools & Bestbranches, knownplus forthe manufacturing products Waterpark and Camp Sherwin. Not to mention for amusement parks, RS Alberts is now personal wellness coaches, hundreds of fitness manufacturing durable plastic well-pad classes, modern workout facilities and a supportive liners used tothat contain atmosphere is unique spills to the Y.at Todrilling learn more, (814) 452-3263 andmade ask forfrom sites. Thecall well-pad lining, Vicki Stilson, or visit www.ymcaerie.org. polyurea and polyurethane foam, is more durable, flexible and resistant to chemicals thanCOUNTY traditional tarp liners. YMCA DOWNTOWN Because they can be YMCA reused and take EASTSIDE YMCA half of the time to put the new GLENWOOD PARK down, YMCA liners — which contain no hazardous air pollutants or volatile organic compounds — are considered far superior to traditional tarp liners.
RS Alberts, with more than 50 years
For more information, visit www.rsalberts.com.
DEPARTMENTS > Contact: Jessica Crocker
and development for both companies, including tool, engineering and materials sampling. For more information, visit Thursday, May 19th, 2011 www.plastikoserie.com.
Bayfront Convention Center Erie, Pennsylvania | 8am to 5pm QUAKER STEAK & LUBE NABS
NATIONAL BUFFALO WING TITLE Hosted by: PLASTIKOS, MICRO MOLD Quaker Steak & Lube’s Buffalo-style EXPAND FACILITIES chicken wings recently earned the Festival Favorite award at the 2010 National Plastikos, Inc., an Erie-based custom Buffalo Wing Festival in Buffalo, New injection molder, recently completed York. The 71,000 attendees made The FOR YOUTH a cooperative facilities expansion with DEVELOPMENT Lube their overwhelming favorite, outsister company and precision mold FOR HEALTHY LIVING selling the 38 restaurants in attendance. manufacturer, Micro Mold, Co. Inc. The FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY expansion will improve efficiencies and Quaker Steak & Lube, which served its increase production capabilities for both first wing in 1976, owns or franchises companies, which together are global 39 locationsYMCA throughout the United of Corry leaders in the plastics industry. States and Canada, including the St Scott 906 North Center Enterprises franchise at 7851 Peach Additionally, Micro Mold, which will Corry, PA 16407 Street in Erie. accommodate production overflow 814.664.7757 from Plastikos as orders increase, will For more information, visit house the majority of the research www.quakersteakandlube.com.
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OntheHill
DEPARTMENTS > Contact: Lori Joint
Obamacare: A Closer Look at Faux Reform and Real Reform Anna McCauslin is the state government relations representative for the Manufacturer & Business Association in Harrisburg. Contact her at 717/525-7213 or amccauslin@mbausa.org.
Health insurance is an important part of the everyday operation of Pennsylvania’s businesses. For generations, employers have supplied insurance to employees when able — and not because a union forced the company to do so. Companies, especially in a recession, walk a fine line between profitability and providing perks to employees in the form of health insurance. In the Commonwealth, research shows just 10 percent of Pennsylvanians lack health insurance. In fact, the 2008 Pennsylvania Insurance Department Health Insurance Survey found that 61 percent of the population has private health insurance, while the Erie region has one of the lowest percentages of uninsured individuals in the state, around 8-percent uninsured. When the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) was being discussed, many business owners asked, “Why is Obamacare necessary?” They argued then — and still do today — that PPACA is far-reaching legislation that further extends the arm of the federal government into the pockets and lives of businesses and individuals. What is Obamacare? During the debate over health care, then-Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-California) famously said, “But we have to pass the bill so that you can find out what is in it, away from the fog of the controversy.” This statement is absolutely ridiculous, as bills are to be read and discussed during the time of committee hearings and floor debate — not after the bill has been passed. However, very few, if any, legislators were able to read the extensive bill prior to casting their vote. The Heritage Foundation, a conservative research and education operation based in Washington, D.C., published A Closer Look at the House Democrats’ Health Care Bill, during the height of the discussion, with the following assessment: “The House of Representatives will soon vote on a massive overhaul of America's $2.4-trillion health-care system. This amounts to one-sixth of American gross domestic product (GDP), a sector roughly equal to the size of the entire British economy. To accomplish this task, (Speaker Pelosi) ... unveiled a 1,990-page House health-care bill (H.R. 3962). The latest product, which dwarfs the 1,342-page Clinton health plan of 1993, is the result of the merging of three committee versions of the original House health-care proposal (H.R. 3200). Like its massive predecessor, H.R. 3962 contains page after page of highly prescriptive legislation that would
centralize power over the health-care system in Washington. New bureaucracies and government programs, along with the expansion of existing entitlements and higher taxes, would give federal lawmakers ultimate control over what kind of health insurance Americans carry, where they get it, and how much they pay for it.” What is Real Health-Care Reform? The Manufacturer & Business Association (MBA) has outlined 12 priorities for federal health-care reform — a response to the controversial reform legislation passed in 2010 that includes more than $1 trillion of new debt, and the most serious infringement of constitutional rights ever attempted by Congress. The MBA’s priorities encourage process improvement and the implementation of health information technology, promoting greater transparency in health care, providing for better prevention and management of chronic conditions, and encouraging consumerism among individuals seeking health services in order to create a dynamic, market/value-driven health-care system. Among them are: 1. Repeal Obamacare. 2. Without presidential signature – withhold funding, block provisions and regulations. 3. Proceed carefully towards market-based reform. 4. Promote personal control. 5. Enable portability. 6. Implement a health-care strategy that will increase efficiency, productivity and quality, while also reducing costs. 7. Increase affordability. 8. Encourage consumer-directed health care. 9. Oppose benefit mandates. 10. Pass national medical liability/tort reforms. 11. Provide tax relief to promote employer-sponsored health-care coverage for employees and their families. 12. Enact small-group reform that permits employers to offer and structure a variety of health plans for employees. By supporting these legislative priorities, employers can once again be a part of the necessary changes for real health-care reform. Now is the time to let your voice be heard! April 2011 > www.mbausa.org > 17
diagnostic X-ray has over thirty years experience providing top quality care in a professional and timely manner. We use state of the art equipment and technology. We offer online ordering/scheduling, online viewing, printing and cd burning. all of our staff are certified in their fields of expertise. We provide patient settings: • Skilled Nursing Facilities • Assisted Living Centers • Senior Apartments • Private Residences • Hospice Patients • Hospitals • Doctor Offices • Imaging Centers • Community Centers • Churches and Other Organizations • Psychiatric Centers
services in these • Correctional Institutions • Immigration Facilities • Detention Centers • Manufacturers • Firefighters • OSHA OSHA
We provide the folloWing services: • X-Ray • Cardiovascular • Ultrasound Screenings • Mammography • Nuchal Translucency • Echocardiogram • Pulse Oximetry • EKG • X-Ray Copies • 24/48 Hour Holter • X-Ray Digitization Monitors • Radiologist • Bone Density Interpretations • Nuclear Medicine • Insurance Reviews our present accreditations are: • Mammo/FDA & ACR Accredited • Nuclear Medicine/ICANL Accredited (Intercostal Commission Association of Nuclear Labs)
• Echocardiograms/ICAEL Accredited • Vascular/ACR Accredited
1769 West 26th Street • Erie, PA 16508-1256 Phone (814) 459-6280 • (800) 466-XRAY (9729) • Fax (814) 459-6386
www.diagnosticxray.com * Not all services are available in each location, please contact us for availability.
“the intelligent approach to diagnostic health care services”
Care.Value. Commitment. At Meadville Medical Center our focus is providing you with the best healthcare in a cost effective manner. The latest state-of-the-art technology works side by side with a caring approach to optimize healthcare for you and your workforce. We’re committed to offering the highest quality services to best serve you now and well into the future.
mmchs.org 18 < www.mbausa.org < April 2011
HR Connection
DEPARTMENTS > Contact: Stacey Bruce
More Employers Placing Greater Stake in Wellness Programs As health-care costs continue to escalate, employers are investing more money — a lot more — into employee wellness programs to try and stymie those increases. According to a Mercer Human Resource Consulting study, some of the most popular things employers are offering under these plans: • disease management programs (offered by 73 percent) • health risk assessments (69 percent), and • behavior modification programs (5 percent). In the United States, 74 percent of employers now offer them, according to a recently released
reported spending nearly $3,000 per employee. Another trend that’s catching on, especially among larger employers: punishing smokers. In 2010, 28 percent of companies employing 20,000 or more workers charged smokers more for health-care coverage than nonsmokers — up from 23 percent in 2009.
global study of health promotion and workplace wellness strategies by Buck Consultants, which studied more than 1,200 organizations in 47 countries. Globally, 66 percent of employers have some type of formal wellness strategy. That’s a big jump from the 49 percent who boasted that in 2007.
For more information about workplace wellness programs, please contact me at 814/833-3200, 800/815-2660 or rbruno@mbausa.org.
In 2010, employers spent 35-percent more on average (about $220) on each employee who participated in a wellness program than they did in 2009. One area where spending has really picked up: wellness rewards. In fact, 11 percent of U.S. employers now spend more than $500 per employee on wellness rewards. The companies spending the most on rewards
Rose Bruno is a PHRcertified HR generalist at the Manufacturer & Business Association.
the LECoM Medical Fitness & Wellness Center has transformed a “place to work out” into the region’s oNE
destination for
preventive health and wellness services.
Preventive
Health & Wellness Services
814-868-7800 www.LECOMWELLNESS.com 5401 Peach Street
| Erie, PA 16509
Your oNE Destination for Preventive Health & Wellness
814-868-2130
Physical Therapy
814-868-2260
Women’s Health
814-868-7830
Sports & Integrative Medicine
814-868-7860
Institute for Successful Aging
814-868-7850
Orthopedic Surgery
814-868-7840
Membership Benefits
Wellness Center Membership — All-inclusive membership
More than 100 weekly group exercise classes
Personal training — With our degreed and certified
Lap swimming, exercise and warm water therapy pools
Nutrition Consultations — Single and multiple sessions with a
Executive-style locker rooms: sauna, steam rooms & whirlpools
dues, no surprises or extra charges for classes you want to attend.
fitness specialists.
registered dietitian.
A 1/9-mile indoor track
the Spa — Massage, facials, comprehensive waxing services, body
and anti-cellulite treatments.
The Spa
Exclusive
Physical therapy — The Center for Successful Living, which
provides comprehensive Orthopedic and Aquatic Physical Therapy. Healthy Living Café — Featuring hot sandwiches, pizza,
homemade soups, and performance shakes.
Medical Associates of Erie Physician offices — Women’s
Health, Sports & Integrative Medicine, Orthopedics, and the Institute for Successful Aging.
Pilates programs & services Ongoing support from our health promotion experts And much more!
ASK About our corporate memberships! April 2011 > www.mbausa.org > 19
How much can you save with the new MBA
WORKERS’ COMPENSATION Program?
Call Doug Loesel or Joe Parlak and find out.
814-833-5433 www.LSinsure.com Loesel-Schaaf Insurance Agency, Inc. is an authorized agent for the MBA Eastern Alliance program.
Non-profit hospice program founded in 1980 for the sole purpose of caring for the specialized needs of people facing end of life decisions. Who pays for hospice?
• • • •
Medicare Medicaid Private Insurance No one is turned away for inability to pay
20 < www.mbausa.org < April 2011
What is covered?
(814) 456-6689
• • www.hospiceerie.org • • •
Specialized RN’s Physician home visits Multidisciplinary Team Medications to manage the disease Equipment/supplies for the patient
EDITORIAL > by Angie Angus
Complementary Products, Services May Help Your Business Attract Noncustomers Angie E. Angus is manager of Blue Ocean Strategy Programs and Support Services for the MBA Blue Ocean Strategy Center – United States, and a certified Blue Ocean Strategy practitioner. The Center teaches companies and organizations of all sizes and types to implement Blue Ocean Strategy in order to find new markets for their products or services.
This article is part of a series that features excerpts from the international best-selling book, Blue Ocean Strategy: How to Create Uncontested Market Space and Make the Competition Irrelevant, by authors W. Chan Kim and Renée Mauborgne. Blue Ocean Strategy offers six paths that companies can explore in order to break out of the industry created boundaries that most companies compete within. This systematic approach allows companies to consider each path to see if a new market opportunity lies at the end of it. Examine the paths to choose which one will work best for your company or organization to move from head-to-head competition to blue ocean creation. Path four explores offering complementary products or services. According to Blue Ocean Strategy, head-to-head competition focuses on maximizing the value of the product or service within the industry boundaries. Blue Ocean creation involves looking at what occurs prior to the use of your product, during the use of it and after it has been used. Identify the pain points that your buyer may experience during the entire process. Eliminating the pain points will increase the value to the customer, and the demand for your product. Bookstore Offers Customers a New Shopping Experience Traditionally, bookstores sell books or other reading materials. In the early 1990s, Barnes & Noble redefined the scope of the services they offer and expanded to become a book-selling superstore. Not only do they offer a vast and deep selection of book titles, but also provide an experienced, knowledgeable staff in a friendly and inviting environment. Couches, comfortable chairs and tables were interspersed throughout the store to encourage people to sit down and read. Cafes also were introduced within the stores offering an exclusive arrangement with Starbucks to sell its specialty coffee, pastries and other snacks. Instead of providing a store to buy books, Barnes & Noble created an enjoyable experience by providing complementary services that added value to the customer. The retailer changed its entire image from being a place to run an errand, to a desirable destination where a person can eat, read, listen to new music, shop and relax — and keep that buyer in the building. Barnes and Noble knew that the longer a customer stayed in the store, the more likely they were to buy. Electric Kettle Manufacturer Looks Beyond the Use of Its Products The British tea kettle industry was a stagnant industry stuck in a bloody red ocean of competition. Sales had been flat and profit margins were shrinking. Philips Electronics examined the
Phillips Electronics used a filter in its tea kettles to replace a pain point and add value to its products.
entire process of making tea, in order to offer additional value to their customers. All electric tea kettles boil water, which is then used to make the tea. The pain point didn’t occur while boiling the water but when pouring it. The tap water put in the tea kettles, to make tea, contains lime scale that accumulates in the kettle. When the water is poured out, bits of lime scale also pour out. Tea drinkers would have to take a spoon and fish out the lime scale prior to drinking their tea. The tea kettle industry didn’t see this as their issue but as an issue with the public water system. Phillips looked at this as an opportunity to eliminate a pain point for the buyer. By placing a mouth filter where the water is poured, the lime scale was effectively captured. Tea drinkers would never again have to fish lime scale out of their home-brewed tea. Considering what occurs before, during and after your product is used, can offer exceptional value for your customers and noncustomers. Complementary services or products can be the key to reaching a blue ocean of opportunity. Next month: Path 5 – Looking Across Functional or Emotional Appeal to Buyers If you are interested in learning more about how your company can explore blue oceans of opportunity, please visit mbausa. blueoceanstrategy.com or contact me at aangus@mbausa.org. April 2011 > www.mbausa.org > 21
HR Q&A WE WOULD LIKE TO IMPLEMENT A NO-SMOKERS HIRING POLICY. CAN WE DO THIS? Though individuals who smoke have no constitutional right to smoke or federal employment law protection, there are some states that prohibit discrimination based on legal, off-duty activities. Once the employer has confirmed there is no state employment law prohibition against no-smoker hiring policies, the employer will want to consider the advantages and disadvantages of such a policy. As with any new policy consideration, the employer is encouraged to consult legal counsel prior to policy implementation. HOW CAN HEALTH RISK ASSESSMENTS (HRAS) BE PERMITTED BECAUSE OF THE HEALTH INSURANCE PORTABILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT (HIPAA)? When it comes to HRAs as a part of a
22 < www.mbausa.org < April 2011
wellness program, one of the biggest concerns for employees is that employers are collecting a substantial amount of personal information. To minimize potential Americans with Disabilities Act claims, you should not have access to medical or disability-related information for individual employees. The employerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s HRA provider should only provide aggregate information for the employee population. This is the best way to avoid charges of disability discrimination down the road. Additionally, a company's wellness plan could be considered a covered entity under HIPAA's privacy standards, and health information gathered as part of the HRA could very well be considered protected health information. Where this is the case, it is the employer's responsibility to ensure that information is treated properly under HIPAA privacy rules.
WITH THE NEW GENETIC INFORMATION DISCRIMINATION ACT (GINA) REGULATIONS, HOW DOES THAT AFFECT HEALTH RISK ASSESSMENTS (HRAS)? GINA not only requires that participation in HRAs that request genetic information be voluntary, it also dictates that no rewards can be provided for the completion of HRAs that solicit genetic information. Accordingly, no penalties can be imposed for the failure to complete an HRA that solicits genetic information. Previously, HIPAA nondiscrimination rules allowed for the solicitation of genetic information as long as rewards were not tied to the presence or absence of genetic characteristics. While you may have previously had a mandatory HRA that collected genetic information, this is no longer allowed under GINA.
DEPARTMENTS > Contact: Tammy Lamary
Participation in CLASS Long-Term Care Program is Voluntary for Employers Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) was created in Title XXXII of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act on March 23, 2011. Its purpose is to establish a national voluntary insurance program for purchasing community living assistance services and supports. CLASS will be a government-provided option with a few personal planning points: • First, you must be employed for three calendar years and pay into CLASS for 60 months for a claim to be eligible for payment; • Second, if a need for care arises soon after enrollment, benefits are not immediately eligible for payment (for example, if your enrollment date is 2013, those first enrollees will not be eligible for CLASS benefits until
60 months later or sometime in 2018). • Third, the average daily benefit under the program is $50/day for as long as needed; and • Finally, CLASS premiums are not known and required to increase to keep the program financially sound. Employers who choose to participate will offer CLASS on an opt-out basis to employees. This means that if an employer so chooses to offer CLASS, all employees are enrolled unless they opt out. Employers are required to use automatic enrollment procedures. Participation in CLASS will be voluntary at the employer level.
By October 1, 2012, Section 8002(a) requires the U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary to designate a benefit plan as the CLASS Independence Benefit Plan and publish such a designation, along with details of the plan and the reasons for selection, in a final rule that allows for a public comment period. For more information about employee benefit programs, please contact me at 814/833-3200, 800/815-2660 or psmith@mbausa.org. Patty Smith is the director of Employee Benefit Services at the Manufacturer & Business Association.
In addition, no taxpayer funds shall be used for payment of benefits under a CLASS Independent Benefit Plan.
April 2011 > www.mbausa.org > 23
Training Recognition Ceremony
Events
HR Essential Series – Erie From left: Betty McWilliams, Partners for Performance, and Teresa Roblee, Oil Country Federal Credit Union.
The Manufacturer & Business Association recently held a series of luncheons to recognize the more than 100 graduates of its professional development and computer training programs. Visit the Photo Gallery on www.mbausa.org for complete coverage.
HR Essential Series – Erie
From left: Robert R. Miles, St. Mary’s Home of Erie; Deborah Bax and Kari Jo Moore, Roberts Trucking Company, LLC; Sherri Wilson, Matric Limited; and Vicki Jackson, Northshore Neurosciences.
Blue Ocean Strategy Center
HR Essential Series – Erie
From left: Deanne Champagne, Family Services of Warren County, Inc., and Association HR Supervisor Stacey Bruce.
HR Essential Series – Erie
Front row, from left: Christine DeSantis, Shriners Hospitals for Children – Erie; Pam Hultquist, Targeted Pet Treats; Heather Clancy-Young, Meadville Area FCU; Rachel Hughes, Sisters of Saint Joseph; and Ed Maras, Medicor Associates, Inc. Back row, from left: Cheryl Murray, The Electric Materials Co.; La Donna Young, Pittsburgh Plastics Manufacturing; Erma Lombardozzi, Provider Resources Inc.; Jessie Mulholland, Ainsworth Pet Nutrition; Amber Hall, Meadville Area FCU; Lauri Boettcher, Presque Isle Wine Cellars; and Tammy Lamary, Manufacturer & Business Association attorney.
Leadership for Team Leaders – Franklin
From left: Dawn Wheeling, Sandy Saunders, Theresa Webb and Nikki Porter, Franklin-Oil Region Credit Union; Tracey Pettit, French Creek Production; and Judy Groner, Franklin-Oil Region Credit Union.
Not pictured: Mary Schmidt of the Multicultural Community Resource Center.
Leadership for Team Leaders – Butler
Leadership for Team Leaders – Erie
Not pictured: Lynn Keitzer, II-VI Incorporated.
Back row, from left: Chris Schrek, Sametc Inc.; Larry Eichler, American Turned Products; and Dan Murray, Deist Industries.
Front row, from left: Kristen Stewart, Robin Madliger and Kathy Marks, II-VI Incorporated. Back row, from left: Christian Werner, Mike George, Wally Busch, Todd Rattigan, Dave Ekis, Cliff Farmer, John Duster and David Lang, II-VI Incorporated.
24 < www.mbausa.org < April 2011
Front row, from left: Carl Dittman, American Turned Products; Chris Williams, FrenchCreek Production; and Kathy Ulbrich, The Plastek Group.
Supervisory Skills Series – Erie
Front row, from left: Sam Marvin, Omni Plastics; Sharon Knapp, Medicor Associates; Mary Batson and Marissa Nieratko, ACL-CPI; Jeff Rossi, McInnes Rolled Rings; Suzette Quinn, Larson Texts, Inc.; Amber O’Neil, Erie Bronze & Aluminum; Heather Danowski, McInnes Rolled Rings; and Mary Burke and Kathleen Williams, Larson Texts, Inc. Back row, from left: Kyle Gates, Corry Manufacturing Co.; Brian Diller, Erie School District; Brent Sullivan, McInnes Rolled Rings; Robert Gilbert, Signal-Tech; Hugh Rial, Medicor Associates; Chris Day, Steve Hawkins and Shawn Maynard, Corry Manufacturing Co.; Jennifer Pezdek, ACL-CPI; Fred Cooke, Great Lakes Manufacturing; and Andy Daniels, Erie Bronze & Aluminum.
Supervisory Skills Series – St. Marys
Front row, from left: Karen Babbitt, Elk County Humane Society; Perry Bauer, Atlas Pressed Metals; Amber Kepple, Bluewater Thermal Solution; and Joanne Smith, Elk County Humane Society. Back row, from left: Jim Benson, Denny Buerk and Jason Ehresberger, Bluewater Thermal Solution; Darlene Samick and Margaret Hanes, MexAmerica Foods LLC; Ben Bennett, Woodbed Corp.; and Dean Ehrensberger, Bluewater Thermal Solution.
Excel Application Specialist – Erie Supervisory Skills Series – Meadville
Front row, from left: Dixie Smith, HomerWood Hardwood Flooring Co.; Jen Hamilton, Ainsworth Pet Nutrition; and Heather Jones and Linda Geiger, Greenleaf Corp. Back row, from left: Sam Miles, Ainsworth Pet Nutrition; Scott Mitchell, LORD Corp.; and Ben Dechant, Matric Limited.
Word Application Specialist – Erie
From left: Deborah Price, Wesbury United Methodist Community, and Association Computer Training Manager Amy Pontillo. Not pictured: Marcie Head and Bonnie Steffey, Perry Mill Supply Company.
Front row, from left: Karen Agens, Marnen Law Firm; Mary Martin, Erie Insurance Group; Association Computer Training Manager Amy Pontillo; and Keith Kuhn, Port Erie Plastics, Inc. Back row, from left: Deborah Price, Wesbury United Methodist Community; Kayla Leskovic, C&J Industries; and Tim Maney, Ameridrives. Not pictured: 22 graduates from 21 companies.
Access Application Specialist – Erie
From left: Deborah Price, Wesbury United Methodist Community; Deborah McCurdy and Wendy Huegel, Erie Insurance Group; and Association Computer Training Manager Amy Pontillo. Not pictured: 9 graduates from 6 companies.
Computer Software Specialist - Erie
From left: Deborah Price, Wesbury United Methodist Community, and Association Computer Training Manager Amy Pontillo.
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ONLY YOUR TEAM CAN DRIVE DOWN COMPANY HEALTH COSTS. With Health Spending and Health Savings Accounts from Highmark. When it comes to health care, you and your employees want the same things. Great coverage and less costs. With Health Spending and Health Savings Accounts from Highmark, you can work together to get it. Because when your employees have a reason to evaluate costs before choosing care and where to get it, they have the power to make health care more affordable. One more way to have a greater hand in your companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health. Find out more at 888.286.8414 or highmarkbcbs.com.
Coverage subject to the terms of your benefits program.
trusted advice The attorneys at the Knox firm have diverse and sophisticated knowledge to help healthcare professionals and organizations anticipate and resolve the challenges of this increasingly complex sector. Whether it’s creating a business structure that best serves your organization, preventing a claim from going to court, or setting up vital compliance programs, we make sure you have what you need to grow and thrive.
Business Organization & Financing Labor & Employment Insurance & Benefits Corporate Governance
Licensure & Compliance Risk Management Claims Management & Litigation Real Estate
Erie, PA
North East, PA
Jamestown, NY
814-459-2800
www.kmgslaw.com
Is Your Company Drowning in Volumes of Paper? Here is great news from Pirrello Enterprises. Our world is evolving from physical to digital documents at lightning speed. Pirrello Enterprises will streamline your organization’s ability to store, access and manage documents, while cutting cost and stress.
Our services include: •
Back File Document Imaging – fast, efficient bulk conversion of existing records to electronic form
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Day Forward Imaging – convenient, cost-effective for newly created documents
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Image on Demand – sophisticated services for paper based documents with low retrieval needs
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Seamless interfaces with existing document management systems
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Rapid implementation with little or no capital investment
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Hold N Scan allows clients to convert their records to digital images over a specified period of time. Records are immediately removed, freeing up precious office space, and returned to them in a convenient electronic form. (No more storage fee!)
Pirrello Enterprises Inc. is committed to working Pirrello with each customer to devise the best fit for Pirrello Pirrello Enterprises Inc. their budget. Locally owned and operated. Enterprises Inc. Enterprises Inc. Erie, PA Phone: 814/454-7984 Fax: 814/454-7986 www.pirrelloenterprises.com
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Shawntaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Pulliam, Founder & CEO
Celebrating 5 Years! 3 2 We s t 8 t h S t . S ui te 5 0 5 . E r i e , PA . 16 5 01 . w w w. n ur t ur i n g - h e a r t s . o r g . n ur t ur i n g h e a r t s @ ve l o c i t y. n et
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People Buzz STAIRWAYS ANNOUNCES STATEWIDE EDUCATOR AWARD RECIPIENT Stairways Behavioral Health in Erie has announced that Bootsie Barbour, director of Education and Training, was awarded the 2010 PAACE (Pennsylvania Association for Adult Continuing Education) Outstanding Adult Educator at the 45th annual PAACE Conference on Adult Education, the largest gathering of adult educators in Pennsylvania. Barbour was selected by past award winners for her outstanding contribution to the development of adult education across the Commonwealth. Stairways Behavioral Health is a private, nonprofit organization that assists persons with mental health care needs at any stage of life by providing comprehensive rehabilitation, treatment and support essential for living, working,
learning and participating fully in the community. KIDDER WACHTER HIRES INTERN ARCHITECT Kidder Wachter Architecture and Design announced the addition of Intern Architect Nicholas C. Mobilia to the firm. Mobilia, a native of the Erie area and a graduate of North East High School, received a bachelor of architecture and an English minor from The Pennsylvania State University in 2010. He is currently participating in the Intern Development Program with the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards. Kidder Wachter Architecture and Design, headquartered in Erie, Pennsylvania, is a full-service architectural firm that designs and manages a broad spectrum of building types and urban planning services within the tri-state area.
EDITORIAL > Contact: Karen Torres
DECISION ASSOCIATES’ PARTNER HONORED AS A VIP WOMAN OF THE YEAR The National Association of Professional Women (NAPW) recently honored Susan Moore, a partner with Erie-based consulting firm Decision Associates, as a VIP Woman of the Year for her work and affiliation with area nonprofit organizations. The NAPW is a rapidly growing association of female executives, professionals, and entrepreneurs that spans nearly every industry including health, education, advertising, public relations, manufacturing, publishing, communications, entertainment and law. The NAPW supports and endorses a diverse syndicate of charities and nonprofit organizations focused on women’s issues and child wellness.
WE’VE MADE GREAT STRIDES IN DELIVERING WORLD-CLASS CARE. BUT THIS TIME IT’S A QUANTUM LEAP.
We consider this a defining moment for our patients throughout northwest Pennsylvania and the region. An affiliation between Hamot Medical Center and UPMC brings exceptional clinical expertise and sophisticated technology. The promise of long-term sustainability and growth. And improved availability of leading-edge services—delivered right here for years to come.
upmchamot.com Affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, UPMC is ranked among the nation’s best hospitals by U.S. News & World Report.
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PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID ERIE, PA PERMIT #199 UPHP_E-option_Save Green.MBA7.25x10_Layout 1 1/10/11 4:23 PM Page 1
Introducing a health plan option for small business designed to save green. asy to use, conomical and Environmentally friendly.
Enjoy a discount and the ease of 24/7 on-line access for all of your health plan needs. Has there ever been an easier business decision? At UPMC Health Plan, we want to make it that simple. That’s why we’ve introduced the region’s most comprehensive all-electronic option. It’s called and it’s an easy-to-use, paperless option that complements any of our Small Business Advantage health plans. With , all enrollment, billing, claims, and payments are conducted online – providing you and your employees with greater convenience. Your employees also enjoy easy access to all their health information, wellness tools, and health support. And, as always, you and your employees have access to our network of more than 80 hospitals and 7,000 physicians, and the award-winning member service you expect from UPMC Health Plan. In other words you get more for less. To learn more about how you can save, go to upmchealthplan.com.
Shouldn’t the people who insure your health understand it? This managed care plan may not cover all your health care expenses. Read your contract carefully to determine which health care services are covered. If you have questions, call Member Services at 1-888-876-2756.