All Healthcare and wellbeing articles – Page 245
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AnalysisKey points about private medical insurance open referral
If you read nothing else, read this…Some insurers now offer the option to restrict consultant choice for claimants.Exact terms differ significantly between insurers.This approach can reduce costs and improve quality.But claimants unable to access consultants of their choice can be disappointed.Effective communication programmes are essential.Instead of claimants being able to ...
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Article
Westfield Health to rebrand
EXCLUSIVE: Westfield Health is to rebrand to focus on its almost 100-year history, its not-for-profit status and its employer-paid health cash plan proposition.It will reveal the new brand, which includes a new logo and strapline, ‘Harder Working Health Cover’ at Employee Benefits Live on 25 and 26 September at National ...
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Article
Government launches workplace health service
The government has launched a workplace health service, which aims to help small and medium-sized employers (SMEs) manage both physical and mental ill health in the workplace.The free online service, Health for Work Adviceline, was initially trialled in 2011.The launch follows the government’s response into sickness absence in January 2013.The ...
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Article
Buyer's guide to health cash plans 2013
What are health cash plans?Health cash plans are designed to cover everyday healthcare costs such as a trip to the dentist; a new pair of glasses; or a session with a physiotherapist. Once a policyholder has received treatment covered by their plan they claim back the money from the cash ...
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Article
Employees would consider using dental plans if available
Just under two-thirds (63%) of employee respondents without a dental plan would consider taking up one if their employer offered it, according to research by Denplan.Its 2013 Dental benefit survey, which questioned 503 benefits professionals and more than 4,000 UK adults, found that 42% of employer respondents in the process ...
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Article
Confessions of a benefits manager: A healthy obsession
Indeed, the Higher Beings over there wouldn’t be bothered if it wasn’t for the fact that staff illness costs money. Someone has woken up to the fact that our staff are not the healthiest bunch, and this costs us in terms of medical insurance, not to mention life insurance if ...
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Article
Debbie Lovewell: Positive impact of exercise
Yet, thanks to a gym opening a mere stone’s throw from Employee Benefits’ offices, this has all begun to change.One pleasant surprise has been the positive impact of lunch-time gym sessions on mood, energy levels and afternoon productivity. It certainly ties in with research by HR recruitment firm Ortus, which ...
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Article
Royal Mail offers eye screening for staff
Royal Mail has offered an eye-screening programme to employees at its Southampton Mail Centre.The aim of the event, which tested the vision of 500 staff, was to encourage non-desk-based employees to get their eyesight tested and to be referred to a qualified optician for a full eye exam. Some of ...
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Article
Lack of competition raises PMI prices
A lack of competiton in the private healthcare market at a local level has led to higher private medical insurance (PMI) premiums, according to the Competition Commission.Its Provisional findings on privately-funded healthcare services report, which sets out the independent public body’s initial findings, also found that private hospital operators have ...
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Article
Warrington Wolves launches health cash plan
Warrington Wolves has launched a health cash plan for its office-based staff at the rugby team’s Halliwell Jones stadium.The plan, which is provided by health cash plan provider Paycare, enables 34 administrative employees to reclaim 100% of the money they spend on healthcare services, such as dental, optical and specialist ...
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AnalysisCapita launches health and wellbeing analysis tool
Capita Employee Benefits has launched a health and wellbeing analysis tool designed to help employers make better decisions about their health and wellbeing strategy in order to potentially reduce insurance costs.. The Corporate Health Analysis Tool (Chat) analyses data from all benefits offered by an employer, generating specific information on ...
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Article
John Lewis extends physio service to all staff
The John Lewis Partnership has extended its physiotherapy service to all 84,500 John Lewis and Waitrose employees.The retail organisation previously offered the service, which is provided by Physio Med, to its Waitrose employees, but has now extended it across the partnership.It was keen to reduce the incidence, duration and recurrence ...
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Article
Heatwave causes spike in absence rates
Almost a third (30%) of respondents have noticed a rise in absence rates during the UK’s recent hot weather, according to research commissioned by PMI Health Group.The study, which was conducted among 93 medium-sized and large employers, found that more than half (54%) of respondents do not operate flexible-working policies ...
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Article
Sports13 partners PosturePip for workplace health
Workplace health and wellbeing organisation Sports13 has partnered PosturePip to offers its product to employers.PosturePip, which is designed to help office workers improve their posture, health and wellbeing, is an animated exercise reminder in the form of a virtual pet to demonstrate and encourage the performance of simple exercises.It is ...
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Article
Buyer's guide to group dental plans 2013
The factsWhat are group dental plans?A group dental plan is an insurance-based scheme that offers employees cover for both preventative and restorative dental treatments. The plan gives staff access to dental insurance through their employer. The benefits can be accessed in various ways, including via private medical insurance (PMI), flexible ...
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Opinion
Andrew Morris: Choice is key to dental benefits
The key to successful and mutually beneficial dental benefits is employee choice.Having access to the most relevant dental treatments at appropriate prices will encourage staff to visit a dentist regularly.This, in turn, will increase their appreciation of good oral health and reduce absenteeism through ill-health.As oral health continues to improve, ...
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Article
Royal British Legion extends eyecare scheme
The Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI) is extending its eyecare voucher offering to qualifying members of staff in its sign manufacturing and wood fabrication factories.The vouchers, provided by Specsavers Corporate Eyecare, will also be offered, free of charge, to all ex-military personnel associated with the charity’s work in Aylesford, Kent.Geri ...
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Article
National Dental Plan launches percentage reimbursement plan
National Dental Plan (NDP) has launched a new percentage reimbursement dental care product.Its Radiant product, which provides 100% reimbursement for preventative and minor treatments and 80% for major treatments, will go live for employers on 2 September 2013.It is designed to complement NDP’s existing product, Clear, which provides a fixed ...
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Article
Bausch and Lomb hosts wellness day
Bausch and Lomb hosted its first in-house wellness day to promote healthy lifestyle behaviours among its 120 staff.The global eyecare organisation held a series of health promotions and interactive activities at its UK headquarters in Kingston-upon-Thames.The wellness event included a health-check kiosk where employees could test their body mass index, ...
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Article
BGL Group re-launches free health checks for UK staff
Insurer BGL Group has re-launched free health checks for employees across its UK sites.The ‘Know your numbers’ annual review monitors important health indicators, including height, weight and body mass index (BMI) to body fat percentage, waist size, blood pressure, blood glucose and total cholesterol. More than 650 employees booked a ...