The cafeteria plan for health insurance benefits employers by reducing the overall escalation of health costs. Employees benefit by tailoring their benefit packages to their needs to including the option to decline coverage because of spouse employment. (MLF)

Among the ways school districts can obtain the best possible health benefits at the lowest possible cost are the following: (1) reduce the number of full-time employees; (2) set up a utilization review committee; (3) enlist a preferred provider organization; (4) offer wellness programs; (5) develop a self-insurance plan; and (6) consider a…

Popular education is "political education for everyday people." It is"people coming together to discuss problems of injustice and inequality and learning how to confront these problems collectively." To be effective in movement building, this guide calls for people who can act in concert to fundamentally change the world. It…

This consumer education document is intended to provide a complete description of Medicare's Prospective Payment System (PPS) for hospitals from the consumer's point of view and to provide basic information on how consumers can protect their rights to appropriate hospital care under Medicare. The first section describes the PPS and also explains…

Presents two viewpoints on the economics of the tobacco industry and cigarette smoking. The industry has been rated as outstanding in economic performance by the U.S. Department of Commerce. However, the debilitating effects of smoking have imposed costs on society in terms of lives and money. Questions whether decisions about smoking should be…

Research into wellness programs initiated from 1960 to 1980 revealed that health promotion programs were having a positive effect on the lives of American workers. Cites several examples of wellness programs in Georgia. Outlines steps for developing an integrated wellness program in a school or school system. (MLF)

This manual outlines the State of Oregon's program to reimburse medical providers furnishing health services to students with medical disabilities in special education settings. The program was established to comply with federal provisions of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 1990. The guide will assist school personnel in…

Professional counselors are often uninformed about insurance matters. This monograph is for counselors who wish to participate in third-party reimbursement activities. The text addresses general issues related to professional counselors and health care reimbursement. It describes major health reimbursement plans such as Blue Cross/Blue Shield,…

This collection contains materials from various sources on the status of children's health, successful children's health programs, and advocacy for children's health. Section 1 contains: (1) the statement by the Children's Defense Fund (CDF) on maternal and child health needs under national health reform; (2) information on uninsured children,…

This guide shows parents how to cut expenses and save on the cost of raising a family. Chapter 1 offers many ways to stretch food dollars and discusses buying in bulk, eating out, using coupons, buying wholesale, and gardening. Cost-cutting clothing ideas covered in chapter 2 include buying at secondhand stores and consignment shops, outlet…

Explores some of the major features of proposed health care plans, which, if enacted, are likely to have a significant impact on school districts' operations, budgeting, and benefits planning. Contains a checklist of key steps districts can take in estimating and planning for the impact of health care reform. (MLF)

Designed for parents of children with mental, emotional, or behavior disorders, this booklet provides information on accessing mental health services through health maintenance organizations. The first part of the guide provides information on how managed care can improve children's access to behavioral health services through expanded service…

This guide is intended to assist Wisconsin school districts in accessing the health care financing system as a means of supporting specialized services. Topics covered include: determination of a local education agency's potential for third-party covered services; the need to become a certified provider dependent upon the funding source;…

This guide provides a framework for study circles to use in discussing the health care crisis in the United States. The guide begins with a background section that gives an overview of the health care crisis; then it presents a two-part framework for discussion. Part 1 focuses on the ethical issues that underlie any policy decisions. It points out…

Practical guidelines are presented for training and development professionals dealing with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) in the workplace. The following topics are covered: AIDS in the workplace; AIDS basics, including information on the required corporate commitment and transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV); employment…