Case One:
As the new benefits manager at Riley Industries, you have decided to implement a high deductible health plan (HDHP) for the employees. You have heard that HDHPS has many benefits, such as substantial cost savings resulting from employees taking charge of their health. You have also heard there are disadvantages. How should you educate the employees of Riley Industries on HDHPS? What if the employees want to keep their previous insurance plans instead? Discuss the other advantages of HDHPS to both the employer and the employees, including how employees are able to promote better health through these plans. Name some other disadvantages of the plans, including the inability to save for possible deductibles costs. What is your opinion on companies moving toward HDHPS?
Case Two:
You are the CEO of kind heart hospital, which is located in a low-income area and has spent millions of dollars over the years on charity care patients. Unfortunately, this has placed your hospital in a tough financial position, because Medicare and Medicaid continue to reduce reimbursements for their patients and your percentage of commercial insurance patients (or patients who pay more than your cost) continues to decline. Discuss what you can do to continue to provide care to the needy but reduce the amount of the loss. Will national reform laws help your reimbursement or hurt it?