When:
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Registration: 8:00 am - 8:30 am
Program: 8:30 am - 4:45 pm

Where:
Massachusetts Medical Society
860 Winter Street
Waltham Woods Corporate Center
Waltham, Massachusetts

Program Description
NEEBC is pleased to sponsor the annual Basics of Employee Health and Welfare Plans seminar. Featuring local experts, this day-long session will provide those who attend with a basic understanding of the fundamentals of health and welfare plans, including the latest trends in plan design and administration.

Course materials include a resource notebook containing extensive handouts and reference materials. Attendees will be mailed a certificate of attendance upon completion of the program.

On October 30, 2008, NEEBC will offer a companion "Basics" program: "The Basics of Employee Retirement Plans." Attendees at the April 3 program will receive a coupon entitling them, or another person from their organization, to a $30 discount on registration for this program. For additional information about all NEEBC programs, visit our website at www.neebc.org or call 781-684-8700.

Who Should Attend
This seminar is geared to benefits and human resource professionals and to any other professionals needing a basic understanding of health and welfare plans. The focus of the seminar is on fundamental benefits topics. The seminar may also serve as a refresher course for experienced benefits and human resource professionals.

Agenda
8:00 - 8:30 a.m.
REGISTRATION AND CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST

8:30 - 8:45 a.m.
OVERVIEW

8:45 - 10:00 a.m.
DEATH AND DISABILITY BENEFITS

Teri Weber
Consultant
Spring Consulting Group

This session covers the basic design and funding of death and disability benefits. The instructor will review life and accidental death insurance, short- and long-term disability, current trends and competitive practices ‹ plus, offer a "real world" perspective on the concepts introduced at today's program.

10:00 - 10:30 a.m.
BREAK

10:30 a.m. - Noon.
DESIGN OF HEALTH AND MANAGED CARE PLANS

Marie Chalmers and Shawna Oliver
Senior Consultants
Mercer Health and Benefits

This presentation covers the basics of health care plan design. The instructor will review the various managed care programs and design options that have evolved in response to concerns about providing health care in the United States.

Noon - 1:00 p.m.
LUNCHEON

1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
HEALTH AND WELFARE PLAN COMPLIANCE

Robert C. Macaulay, Jr.
Partner
Parker & Brown

Effectively administering health and welfare plans means you need a way to meet evolving compliance requirements. This session provides an overview of important compliance issues such as COBRA, HIPAA and FMLA.

2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
HEALTH AND WELFARE PLAN FUNDING

Daniel P. Higgins, CLU
Vice President, National Accounts
CIGNA HealthCare

This session provides a review of the financing models for health and welfare plans. The instructor will cover basic underwriting concepts, including tips on how to conduct a successful renewal.

3:00 - 3:15 p.m.
BREAK

3:15 - 4:30 p.m.
COMMUNICATING HEALTH CARE WITH EMPLOYEES: FROM "REQUIRED" TO "INSPIRED"

Claire Crawford and Paul Sullivan
Senior Consultants
The Segal Company

Today we have almost limitless access to information through a variety of media and sources. In an era of miraculous medical breakthroughs, rising costs of drugs and procedures, and an ever-changing list of healthcare options, employers must decide if they too want to be a reliable and trusted source of healthcare information for their employees. Find out what you and your organization should be doing to effectively communicate with your employees and discover the value of this education in improved morale and wellness.

4:30 - 4:45 p.m.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Workshop Faculty
Marie Chalmers is a senior consultant at Mercer.

Claire Crawford is a senior consultant in the communications practice at The Segal Company.

Daniel P. Higgins, CLU is Vice President, National Accounts at CIGNA healthcare.

Robert C. Macaulay, Jr. Is a partner at Parker & Brown.

Shawna Oliver is a senior consultant at Mercer.

Paul Sullivan is a senior consultant in the communications practice at The Segal Company.

Teri Weber is a consultant with the Spring Consulting Group In Boston.

Getting to the Seminar
From the North: South on Route 128/I95 to exit 27B (Winter Street) and keep right. Follow Winter Street for approximately one mile; 860 Winter Street (Waltham Woods Corporate Center) is on the left. Proceed to Massachusetts Medical Society at top of hill.

From the South: North on Route 128/I95 to exit 27B (Winter Street) and keep right. Go over Route 128 and follow Winter Street for approximately one mile; 860 Winter Street (Waltham Woods Corporate Center) is on the left. Proceed to Massachusetts Medical Society at top of hill.

How to Register
The registration fee is $260 for NEEBC members. A reduced fee of $240 is available for member organizations registering three or more persons. The fee for non-members is either $300 for the program only, or $360, which includes a discounted one-year NEEBC membership (through December 31, 2008). The registration fee includes continental breakfast, luncheon, and all course materials. To register, call 781-684-8700 or download a brochure and registration form at the link below.

Note: If you will require special services, including special meals, please contact the NEEBC office at (781) 684-8700.

Register early! Please note that capacity is limited for this program, and experience has shown that it fills up quickly.

Cancellation Policy
Cancellations must be made (by mail, fax, or telephone) at least 72 hours prior to the event to be refundable. You may designate a replacement if you are unable to attend a program. Program "no shows" are not refundable.

To Register
Click here to download a brochure with registration form, or call 781-684-8700.