How to Sign Up

The 2008 Seminar Series begins in March 2008 and continues into September.  See below for a brief description of each topic.   If you are interested in attending a future McGraw Wentworth seminar, call Linda Vance at 248-822-6273 or email her at lvance@mcgrawwentworth.com. Please provide your name, company name, phone number and email address.

 

COBRA

This is the topic most requested by recent seminar attendees as a "hot issue" to address.  So, in this session, we will address the basic elements of COBRA and compliance and then dive into more complex topics such as auditing.

8:30am - Registration and networking, free hot breakfast

9:00am to Noon - Presentation and discussion

Three sessions will be held at the Birmingham Conference Center in Beverly Hills, MI on:

Thursday, September 18

Tuesday, September 30

Thursday, October 2

One session will also be held at the Prince Conference Center at Calvin College, Grand Rapids:

Friday, September 26

 


Past Seminars

McGraw Wentworth sponsors seminars throughout the year for our clients relating to current compliance issues and other "need to know" topics. Examples of past seminars include:

Retiree Health Care

July 2008

This issue has come to the forefront with the changes at the Big Three and the administration of VEBAs now being handled by unions.  We provided updates on retiree/employee education, Medicare Part D, Medicare Advantage Plans, and cost management strategies such as HRAs and VEBAs.  Attendees earned 2.75 credits towards their PHR/SPHR/GPHR recertification.

2008 Southeast Michigan Mid-Market Group Benefits Survey Results

May/June 2008

Survey participants learned what other employers are doing to manage benefit plan costs, what changes are planned for 2009, and key findings including five-year trends, an analysis of 2008 TrendBenders (high performing, trend-setting organizations that have been successful in managing their costs using a variety of plan design changes) and the 2008 Total Cost Ratio.  Attendees earned 2.75 credits towards their PHR/SPHR/GPHR recertification.

**NEW** 2008 West Michigan Mid-Market Group Benefits Survey Results

June 2008

Expanded to include West Michigan employers for the first time in 2008, survey participants learned what other West Michigan employers are doing to manage benefit plan costs, what changes are planned for 2009, and key findings including an analysis of 2008 TrendBenders and the 2008 Total Cost Ratio.  Attendees earned 2.75 credits towards their PHR/SPHR/GPHR recertification.

Michigan K-12 Public School District Group Benefits Survey Results

June 2008

2008 Survey Participants learned what other Michigan school districts and employers are doing to manage benefit plan costs, review changes that are planned for 2008, and other key findings.  Attendees were given a Certificate of Completion.

Michigan Municipality Group Benefits Survey Results

June 2008

2008 Survey Participants joined local Municipalities and other government entities to review this year's findings, discuss local and national trends, and review what Michigan's public and private employers are doing to manage benefit plan costs.  Attendees were given a Certificate of Completion.

Hot Topics in Health Care Cost Control

March 2008

This seminar focused on a short list of popular cost control strategies and the pro's and con's of each strategy.  More than just theory, we provided real-world examples of each strategy as it was put into action.  Attendees earned 2.75 credits towards their PHR/SPHR/GPHR recertification.

Consumerism on a Continuum

September 2007

Consumerism is more than just CDHPs.  This seminar highlighted a range of benefit plan options designed to engage employees in managing their health along with managing the cost of health care, including tools available to help HR professionals.  Attendees earned 2.75 PHR/SPHR/GPHR Recertification Credits.

Wellness

August 2007

Learn strategic as well as tactical steps for implementing and managing a cohesive and engaging wellness program.  Guest speaker was D.W.Eddington   Attendees earned 2.75 PHR/SPHR/GPHR Recertification Credits.

2007 Southeast Michigan Mid-Market Group Benefits Survey Results

May/June 2007

2007 Survey Participants learn what other employers are doing to manage benefit plan costs, what changes are planned for 2008, and key findings including an analysis of 2007 TrendBenders (high performing, trend-setting organizations that have been successful in managing their costs using a variety of plan design changes)Attendees earned 2.75 PHR/SPHR/GPHR Recertification Credits.

Michigan K-12 Public School District Group Benefits Survey Results

May 2007

2007 Survey Participants learn what other Michigan school districts and employers are doing to manage benefit plan costs, review changes that are planned for 2008, and other key findings.  Attendees earned 2.75 PHR/SPHR/GPHR Recertification Credits.

Michigan Municipality Group Benefits Survey Results

June 2007

2007 Survey Participants are invited to join local Municipalities and other government entities to review this year's findings, discuss local and national trends, and review what Michigan's public and private employers are doing to manage benefit plan costs.  Attendees earned 2.75 PHR/SPHR/GPHR Recertification Credits.

Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

March 2007

Overview of affected employers, potential state law changes or conflicts, notice requirements, and what employers can do to effectively manage FMLA.

Retiree Health Care Update

September/October 2006

  • Consider the core requirements and costs for retiree health care plans.
  • Update on information about Medicare Part D benefits and costs.
  • Discuss options available to coordinate retiree health benefits with Medicare Part D.
  • Learn about opportunities to help your baby boomer population plan and secure retiree health benefits with minimal cost to your organization.

Attacking Health Care Costs Update

July/August 2006

  • Learn the latest strategies for integrating consumerism into your organization’s benefit plans.
  • Examine in-depth disease management and wellness strategies that improve the overall health of your workforce.
  • Understand the differences between Health Reimbursement Arrangements and Health Savings Accounts and gain insight in determining which may fit best in your organization.
  • Review other strategies available to manage costs if a full-blown consumer-driven health plan is not an option.

2006 Southeast MI Mid-Market Group Benefit Survey Results Presentations

May/June 2006

  • Identify median/average health care costs, employee contributions, plan designs, prescription drugs, cost control strategies and many other critical data points.
  • Review year over year trends, compare local and national benefit designs and examine differences by industry and unionized vs. non-unionized employers.
  • Gain greater overall understanding of how your organizations benefit plans compare in the market as well as learn cost containment strategies.
  • Network with HR professionals from other similarly based mid-sized organizations.

 

Section 125 Plans and Mid-Year Election Changes

March 2006

  • Explain regulations that determine when an employee may make a mid-year election change to a Section 125 plan.
  • What qualifies as a change in status event.
  • Learn how to apply the sometimes confusing rules when a Section 125 plan change occurs.
  • Get many true-life examples that illustrate how to apply the rules that are discussed.

The Security Rule

February 2006


The Security Rule is widely perceived as an Information Technology responsibility. While many of the action items should be handled by your Information Technology Department, your Human Resources Department will be responsible for compliance steps as well. This session will acquaint you with the purpose of the Security Rule and its primary goals. In addition, we will review how this Rule applies to various organizations. We will also deliver a comprehensive action plan your organization can use to implement a compliance plan

Retiree Health Care Challenges

August/September, 2005

The launch of Medicare Part D will have impact on many organizations. This session will address the details of Part D and its impact on retiree health plans.  For organizations that do not sponsor formal retiree health care programs, the session will address strategies they can use to assist their employees with retiree health care needs without sponsoring a retiree health care plan.

Attacking Health Care Costs

July/August 2005

Health care costs continue to be the number one concern of most top-level executives. The costs have become a major expense in most organizations and managing this expense is exceptionally challenging.

 

The Attacking Health Care Cost seminar discussed a wide range of strategies organizations can consider to reign in skyrocketing medical costs. Tactics and strategies examined included eligibility management, prescription drug plan management, wellness and disease management initiatives and Consumer Driven Health Plans.

 

The problems related to the health care delivery system in the United States have not been solved. It will take diligent and persistent efforts in most organizations to keep this risk manageable and affordable.

McGraw Wentworth Southeast Michigan Mid-Market Group Benefits Survey Results

June 2005

McGraw Wentworth will announced its 2005 Southeast Michigan Mid-Market Group Benefits Survey Results during seminars held at the bps Corporate Training and Conference Center in Beverly Hills, Michigan during the month of June.

The 2005 survey, which is the largest of its type in Southeast Michigan , identifies median health care costs, employee contributions, plan design, prescription drugs, cost control strategies and many other items critical to managing your benefit plans.  The survey presentation will also examine year over year trends; compare local and national benefit designs; as well as look at differences by industry and unionized vs. non-unionized employers.  By participating in the survey and attending the survey results presentation, HR professionals will gain a much greater understanding of how their benefit plans compare in the market as well as learn of strategies organizations can employ to control escalating health care costs.  The survey presentation will also give HR professionals an opportunity to network and participate in interactive discussions with other HR professionals.

Electronic Data Management - Does It Make Sense?

March 2005

Tired of handling all your benefit administrative transactions in paper?  You are not alone.  Many companies are moving much of their administrative task work from the paper to the electronic realm.  We will examine electronic data management and address many of the complexities involved in working in the electronic realm.  You will learn:

  • How organizations are using technology in benefits administration and human resource data management
  • Strategies your organization can use to streamline the administrative process
  • About Internet enrollment vendors and options to investigate
  • Potential pitfalls of the Internet enrollment process

This session will be an educational opportunity to assist your organization in analyzing what technology tools can be used to simplify the administrative process.  This seminar will not promote one strategy to meet every organization's needs, but will offer education on how electronic management works and how to evaluate which options will work for you.

The Security Rule

January/February 2005

October 2004

The Security Rule is widely perceived as an Information Technology responsibility. While many of the action items should be handled by your Information Technology Department, your Human Resources Department will be responsible for compliance steps as well. This session will acquaint you with the purpose of the Security Rule and its primary goals. In addition, we will review how this Rule applies to various organizations. We will also deliver a comprehensive action plan your organization can use to implement a compliance plan.

Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs)
August/September 2004

Prescription drugs represent a significant portion of health plan costs. For self-funded plans, Pharmacy Benefit Managers have significant control over the cost of your prescription drug program. This seminar addressed:

  • How PBMs operate
  • Contract provisions
  • Rebate structures
  • Internal management programs

Understanding these provisions and programs will help organizations better negotiate with your vendor and secure optimum pricing on your prescription drug program.

The Security Rule

June/July 2004

The Security Rule is widely perceived as an Information Technology responsibility. While many of the action items should be handled by your Information Technology Department, your Human Resources Department will be responsible for compliance steps as well. This session will acquaint you with the purpose of the Security Rule and its primary goals. In addition, we will review how this Rule applies to various organizations. We will also deliver a comprehensive action plan your organization can use to implement a compliance plan.

Health Care Cost Crisis
April 2004

Health care costs continue to rise at an alarming rate, and many employers are struggling with ways to contain these costs. This seminar reviews the historical development of the health care system and how it relates to employers today. We will also explore creative ways for employers to reduce healthcare costs including cost sharing strategies and consumer driven arrangements.

HIPAA Privacy Rule
September 2003


This seminar provided a comprehensive explanation of the Privacy Rule under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). We discussed what parties are affected by the rule, the compliance dates, and the scope of the rule. We also addressed what employers need to do to comply with the rule, and we provided an action plan.

Potpourri Seminar - Three exciting topics!
July 2003

  • HIPAA's Electronic and Code Set Rules - The first section of the seminar provided an overview of the Electronic and Code Set Rules under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and discussed how these rules impact employers' plans.
  • Electronic Distribution of Key Plan Documents -The second section of the seminar explored the Department of Labor's electronic distribution regulations. We discussed what types of documents can be distributed electronically as well as review the requirements employers need to adhere to in order to distribute documents electronically.
  • Family Medical Leave Act - although FMLA has been in effect for ten years, questions still remain. During the final section of the seminar our legal counsel provided an overview of several "tough" FMLA questions and discussed the non-benefit related FMLA questions that still arise.

HIPAA Privacy Rule
January/March 2003
This seminar provided a comprehensive explanation of the Privacy Rule under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). We discussed what parties are affected by the rule, the compliance dates, and the scope of the rule. We also addressed what employers need to do to comply with the rule, and we provided an action plan.

Department of Labor Claim Regulations
June 2002


Medical Claim Regulations - The seminar provided a thorough explanation of the recent Department of Labor medical claim regulations and how they affect employers' health care plans.

ERISA
March 2002


This seminar thoroughly explained the history, basic provisions, and reporting and disclosure responsibilities of ERISA. Additionally, we discussed the impact of ERISA on plan documents, summary plan descriptions and Form 5500 filing. We also addressed revisions to the law and how the changes affect employers' plans.

Department of Labor Claim Regulations

December 2001


Disability Claim Regulations - This seminar thoroughly explained the recent Department of Labor disability claim regulations and how they affect employers' health care plans.

COBRA
February 2000


This seminar discussed the changes in COBRA regulations over the last several years and how they impact your company's COBRA administration

 

 

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