Showing posts with label benefit. Show all posts
Showing posts with label benefit. Show all posts

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Benefit Administrators Say TriZetto’s ‘Flexible Solutions’ Support Growth, New Lines of Business, Response to Healthcare Reform - Marketwatch

DENVER, Apr 11, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Third-party administrator (TPA) clients of The TriZetto Group, Inc., today lauded the company’s “flexible solutions,” noting that they have helped their businesses grow and pursue new opportunities.

“Our company once provided only self-funded benefits administration services for employer groups,” recalled Larry Dust, chief executive officer of Key Benefit Administrators (KBA), an Indianapolis-based TPA with some 200,000 members. “Today, fewer than half our members are served by self-funded health plans. TriZetto’s flexible QicLink™ enterprise core administration system has accommodated the evolution of our business model.”

KBA, a longstanding TriZetto client, provides claims administration services for a dozen healthcare payers that offer fully insured plans, in addition to supporting the traditional self-funded plan model. Many of these fully insured plans provide limited medical benefits, accident, cancer and other supplemental coverage.

“These plan designs aren’t cookie-cutter; they present special challenges and could require lots of manual touches,” Dust said. “But not with TriZetto’s benefits administration solution. Its stable, scalable platform streamlines the administration of traditional and alternative plan designs.”

In 2002, Dust developed the American Health Data Institute (AHDI), a population health management (PHM) solution for the benefits administrator market. The nation’s largest database of a consistently applied PHM methodology, AHDI has helped more than 98 percent of its employer customers keep the cost of care below the rate of inflation in medical trend.

The solution is available to TriZetto’s TPA clients through the company’s Premier Partnership Program™, a suite of optimally priced vendor tools and services pre-integrated with TriZetto’s core administration platform.

Dust believes TPAs that use TriZetto’s integrated benefits administration and PHM solution are poised for success under healthcare reform. Steve Rasnick, president of TriZetto client Self Insured Plans LLC, couldn’t agree more and founded Accountable Care Administration LLC to pursue an especially promising, post-reform opportunity.

“Accountable care organizations (ACOs) present a great opportunity for TPAs,” said Rasnick. “Those ACOs which meet quality-of-care targets and save money for their clients will retain a portion of the savings. That’s a significant incentive for participating providers and for self-funded employer groups, which pay only for claims they actually incur. Uniquely, TriZetto has the integrated solution to help improve population health, control claim costs and administer self-funded benefits under the ACO model of care delivery in the Medicare, Medicaid and commercial markets.”

Rasnick also sees an opportunity for benefit administrators in health-benefit exchanges and in their precursor, co-ops. Co-ops, he explained, are “mini-exchanges” for which the federal government has set aside some $3 billion in funding. About 30 entities so far have filed to create co-ops.

Rasnick said TriZetto’s enterprise administration solution is flexible enough to support TPAs in serving both the co-op and exchange markets. “I’ll put it this way: Over the years, I founded 19 TPAs serving as many as a million lives and paying billions in claims, and I licensed TriZetto’s solution for them all. I never had to walk away from a prospect because TriZetto’s platform was unable to support our administration of their plan.”

Naples, Fla.-based Self Insured Plans has found great value in TriZetto’s business management services, as well. For five years the company has used TriZetto’s trained examiners and other expert staff to administer claims and customer service. “Ten years ago, a TPA’s value prop was in how well and fast it paid claims,” said Rasnick. “Today, our value is in population health management and cost control through risk management. TriZetto’s enabled us to redirect our resources to these priorities and points of differentiation without compromising high service levels.”

”While we’re delighted to work with our many new TPA clients, TriZetto’s also very proud to have served a number of benefit administrators for decades,” said Rob Scavo, regional market president at TriZetto. “Larry’s and Steve’s organizations have been valued partners for more than a quarter century. Over the years, they’ve been extremely nimble in positioning and repositioning for success, and through their drive, innovation and success, they’ve made us better, as well.”

TriZetto serves 107 benefit administrators. These TPAs administer the underlying self-funded medical and dental claims of nearly 6 million member lives and often provide additional offerings, including reinsurance, voluntary benefits, COBRA, short- and long-term disability, fully insured products, consumer-driven plans, long-term care and Medicare supplement. TriZetto’s Premier Partnership Program is an exclusive offering that leverages the company's industry-leading QicLink claims administration platform, and its largest single source of self-funded employer membership, to generate attractive pricing, packaging and QicLink system integration from key businesses. These businesses provide TriZetto’s TPA clients with information systems and services -- such as AHDI and a national proprietary network -- that can improve efficiency, competitive advantage and management of plan risk.

About TriZetto

TriZetto provides world-class information technology and service solutions that help payers and providers work more efficiently and collaborate to deliver better health. TriZetto solutions touch over half the U.S. insured population and reach more than 100,000 care providers. TriZetto helps healthcare organizations achieve compliance; enhance administrative efficiency; improve the cost, quality and delivery of care; and compete to win in an emerging retail market. Payer solutions include benefits administration, care management, network management and portal platforms, as well as consulting, application management and business management services. Provider solutions include real-time eligibility assurance and claims editing and revenue cycle management technology and services that help providers get paid quickly and accurately.

For more information, visit www.trizetto.com .

SOURCE: TriZetto

The TriZetto Group Loren Finkelstein, 303-542-2460 loren.finkelstein@trizetto.com or Schwartz MSL Boston Davida Dinerman/Nicole Solera, 781-684-0770 trizetto@schwartzmsl.com

Copyright Business Wire 2012

Comtex

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Monday, January 30, 2012

Brides and businesses benefit alike from bridal expo - Galesburg Register-Mail

Sabrina’s Bridal and Formal Wear, along with 60 other vendors involved, packed the Sandburg Mall with brides-to-be, their families and spectators Sunday for the Sabrina’s Bridal & Prom Expo.

The expo, now in its sixth year, according to Deborah Sloan with Sabrina’s, included everything from bakeries and florists to travel agencies and party DJ services, with a runway for modeling dresses at the center of attention.

“This really helps us with getting dresses out,” Sabrina Stroops with Sabrina’s said. “But really we do this to help all the businesses involved.”

Stroops said that when all of the involved businesses pool their efforts, it makes for a great event for Galesburg and the businesses themselves, who get opportunities for networking.

“I’ve really enjoyed talking to the other vendors,” Stroops said, “since a lot of us refer business back and forth.”

For many of the involved vendors, the event was really about having opportunities to bring in some business and talking to customers in a personal way, not through traditional advertising. Mike Rodgers, owner of Galesburg Flower Company, said he will get between 50 and 60 bookings in the next two weeks, just because of the expo.

“This helps capture everyone that is interested in our service,” said Rodgers, who has been a vendor at the expo for five years,. “Most of the businesses here are local, and some folks need the extra boost. And I like to talk to the people, like the mamas, who are worried about their pocketbooks, and the brides, who want everything to look great. We get to hear the different concerns.”

The expo also was used by some new businesses trying to gain some publicity. Sarah Peterson, owner of Celebration Essentials, has been in business for seven months, and she was a first-time vendor at the expo.

“This has been busy, but good. It’s good to get my name out,” Peterson said. “I’m definitely meeting more people here than I would just by word of mouth, which is how I’ve been advertising.

The event served as an opportunity for brides-to-be to get some good ideas for their weddings. Megan Moore of Knoxville has her big day set for July 21, and while she has some of the big-picture planning out of the way, she was trying to hash out some of the details at the expo.

Sabrina’s Bridal and Formal Wear, along with 60 other vendors involved, packed the Sandburg Mall with brides-to-be, their families and spectators Sunday for the Sabrina’s Bridal & Prom Expo.

The expo, now in its sixth year, according to Deborah Sloan with Sabrina’s, included everything from bakeries and florists to travel agencies and party DJ services, with a runway for modeling dresses at the center of attention.

“This really helps us with getting dresses out,” Sabrina Stroops with Sabrina’s said. “But really we do this to help all the businesses involved.”

Stroops said that when all of the involved businesses pool their efforts, it makes for a great event for Galesburg and the businesses themselves, who get opportunities for networking.

“I’ve really enjoyed talking to the other vendors,” Stroops said, “since a lot of us refer business back and forth.”

For many of the involved vendors, the event was really about having opportunities to bring in some business and talking to customers in a personal way, not through traditional advertising. Mike Rodgers, owner of Galesburg Flower Company, said he will get between 50 and 60 bookings in the next two weeks, just because of the expo.

“This helps capture everyone that is interested in our service,” said Rodgers, who has been a vendor at the expo for five years,. “Most of the businesses here are local, and some folks need the extra boost. And I like to talk to the people, like the mamas, who are worried about their pocketbooks, and the brides, who want everything to look great. We get to hear the different concerns.”

The expo also was used by some new businesses trying to gain some publicity. Sarah Peterson, owner of Celebration Essentials, has been in business for seven months, and she was a first-time vendor at the expo.

“This has been busy, but good. It’s good to get my name out,” Peterson said. “I’m definitely meeting more people here than I would just by word of mouth, which is how I’ve been advertising.

The event served as an opportunity for brides-to-be to get some good ideas for their weddings. Megan Moore of Knoxville has her big day set for July 21, and while she has some of the big-picture planning out of the way, she was trying to hash out some of the details at the expo.

“This is going well. I found some good ideas that I really enjoy,” Moore said. “I need to focus on the details now, like decorations and flowers. Coming here and getting more ideas gives me a good variety of choices.”

The center of attention at the expo, though, was the runway and fashion show — the dresses. Sloan said her focus is on the kids, and she will often give discounts up to $100 so girls can have the dress they want.

“And I like giving children that would usually not be able to model a chance to do so,” Sloan said.

Stroops said she will always enjoy the fashion show, which is a big focus for her.
“I mean, how could you not love seeing models wearing your dresses?” she said.


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Sunday, January 15, 2012

Business, consumers benefit from expo - HometownLife.com

Number 8 on the Maximizing Your Chamber Membership countdown involves participation in the Royal Oak Chamber's first large-scale event of the 2012 Season: the South Oakland Business Expo.

The South Oakland Business Expo, or SOBE as it is typically called, takes place Wednesday, March 7, at Club Venetian Banquet Center in Madison Heights. The event is designed with a dual focus, reflecting the Royal Oak Chamber's commitment to both area businesses and its community while giving members the ability to maximize their membership in two different ways.

By participating in SOBE, Chamber members can activate their membership by meeting and forming relationships with other member businesses. In its trade show environment, SOBE creates a unique opportunity for businesses to meet, network and form relationships. Relationships launched at SOBE can generate partnerships and the potential for business referrals, creating more business. SOBE has a designated networking portion built into the event from 9-11:30 a.m.

“SOBE connects Chamber members and facilitates networking and the building of business relationships,” stated Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Shelly Kemp. “In addition, the involvement of the Berkley, Birmingham, Clawson, Ferndale, Madison Heights/Hazel Park Chambers expands the potential partnerships and opportunities.”

Additionally, SOBE brings customers directly to the member businesses by offering an environment where consumers can “shop local.” Instead of relying on Internet or phone to connect them with a business or service, consumers come to SOBE and meet face to face with companies and potential providers. From 12-4 p.m., SOBE provides a business melting pot for potential customers to browse. So, when Chamber members participate this event, they can find new business opportunities.

“Consumers like to work with businesses that are committed to their community,” explained Kemp. “SOBE gives them a chance to meet and talk one-on-one with a variety of small businesses, empowering them to find the local resource that best fits their needs. By participating in SOBE, our members can increase their exposure and obtain additional business contacts.” Consumers like SOBE, because it gives them a more personalized opportunity to find a business or supplier. They can ask questions and develop rapport face-to-face. As a result of the two-fold aspect of the event, SOBE goes beyond business-to-business networking to shine a spotlight on key businesses in our community that are invested and interested in what goes on in South Oakland County. And, it attracts area residents and offers these consumers the chance to “browse” a variety of local businesses under one roof.

Accountant Beth Schensky of EA Schensky & Associates Inc. has participated and sponsored SOBE for several years. “SOBE has proved to be a great place to connect with fellow business owners from this area and meet and greet your potential clients visiting the show,” she said.

Events such as SOBE give area consumers a chance to comparison shop and see what's new in the marketplace of their own backyard. Added Kemp, “The Chambers are not just about businesses … we work to strengthen the link between local business and our community.”

The South Oakland Business Expo integrates networking and face-to-face consumer marketing. By participating in this event, Chamber members can yet again maximize their Chamber membership, developing business to business relationships and meeting new customers.

Jennifer Clark writes a monthly column for the South Oakland Eccentric.

Note: The South Oakland Eccentric will be among the businesses participating in the South Oakland Business Expo.


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Friday, January 13, 2012

Local women benefit from business networking group - Beavercreek News-Current

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Wednesday, January 11, 2012

London 2012 Olympics: businesses unprepared for disruption during Games but stand to benefit from legacy, survey says - Daily Telegraph

A survey of 1,200 companies around the UK conducted by Olympic sponsor BT has revealed some critical issues for businesses – particularly small and medium-sized enterprises

BT president of global services UK Emer Timmons said businesses see no major concerns about maintaining productivity and service levels during London 2012, but stressed that this confidence may be misplaced. She said companies had to start planning immediately for the impact and opportunities that the London Olympics presented.

However, there may be reasons for optimism as three-quarters of businesses in Vancouver, which hosted the 2010 Winter Olympics, say they have continued to enjoy higher sales even though peak demand fell once the event was over.

Sixty per cent say they have experienced ongoing Olympic-related benefits. Most of those businesses benefiting were in the media and leisure and retail areas.

"Four out of five organisations are confident of maintaining service and security during London 2012 despite the fact only 34 per cent have assessed the impact of risks such as a cyber attack," said Timmons.

"Seventy-two per cent of organisations are expecting their supply chain to be disrupted in some way but a quarter of them are seemingly prepared to put up with consequences because they are not planning to do anything about it.

"Forty per cent of companies expect staffing to be a headache because staff will want time off or are not able to get to work but a third of these companies have no plans to deal with this reduced staffing level."

Timmons said while a third of British companies surveyed are planning to hire temporary staff to deal with extra demands during the Olympics, the Vancouver experience was much greater. There, 56 per cent of companies hired temporary staff.

The senior trade commissioner for the Canadian High Commission Brian Parrott told Telegraph Sport that hotel occupancies across Vancouver continued to be at high levels nearly two years after the Games. The former British Columbia Olympics Minister Colin Hansen said the Games were much bigger than anyone had expected.

"It engaged with the excitement and emotion of 99 per cent of the public and many companies underplanned for that," Hansen said.

The survey showed 38 per cent of Canadian private sector companies believed they could have taken fuller advantage of the business opportunities of the Vancouver Olympics.

Hansen said London and the United Kingdom needed to appreciate leading executives from around the world would come to London because of the Olympics and this could create enormous opportunities for British companies.

Such was the unique drawing power of the Olympics, the chief executive officers of McDonalds and Coca Cola met for the first time at the Sydney 2000 Games.


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