California Legislation Would Restrict the Ability of Smaller Employers to Self-Insure

A bill was amended this week in the California State Legislature in a way that would effectively take away the ability of smaller employers in that state to operate self-insurde group health plans by restricting access to stop-loss insurance.  Read more…

‎’A’ is for ‘Ambulatory Surgical Center’

 

This is a licensed facility that is used mainly for performing outpatient surgery, has a staff of Physicians, has continuous Physician and nursing care by registered nurses (R.N.s) and does not provide for overnight stays.

From the ENTRUST HEALTHCARE GLOSSARY

7 Things Employers Don’t Know About Healthcare Benefits

“During the bad economy, employees were focused primarily on salary. Now… they are taking a look at their entire compensation package and benefits are coming into sharper view.”  Read more here.

Governor appoints Robyn Jacobson, COO of Entrust, to new Health Institute

HOUSTON, TEXAS (April 4, 2012) – Texas Governor Rick Perry has appointed Robyn Jacobson, COO of Entrust, Inc., to the Board of Directors of the newly-formed Texas Institute of Health Care Quality and Efficiency.

“I am honored to be appointed by the Governor to the Board, and hope that the goals of creating a viable free market of healthcare services can be realized for the people of Texas,” said Mrs. Jacobson.

During the last legislative session, Mrs. Jacobson worked with Representative Lois Kolkhorst on HB 2430, a bill that would have created a fair playing field for all consumers by requiring providers to establish one price for their services, regardless of who the payer is, and disclose that price in advance of services rendered. While the bill did not pass during last session, the transparency aspect of the bill was added to article 3 of SB 7 during a special session, which established the new Institute.

The Institute has the charge of improving health care quality, accountability, education, and cost containment in Texas by encouraging health care provider collaboration, effective health care delivery models and coordination of health care services. Due to report its recommendations by January 1, 2013, the Institute is also tasked with examining the inconsistency of health care providers’ charges and exploring potential ways to improve consumers’ access to pricing information.

One of just two businesspeople appointed to the medically-trained 13-person board, Mrs. Jacobson has a reputation for remaining at the forefront of her ever-changing industry. Her premier employee benefits third party administrator, Entrust Inc., is highly regarded for its innovative and cost-effective solutions for employers.

In addition to being the Chief Operating Officer of the Entrust, Inc., Mrs. Jacobson is also the CEO of a claim adjudication software company, EnCore System Professionals, Inc., Board Chairman of the National Society of Professional Benefit Administrators (SPBA), immediate Past President and a board member of the Texas Association of Benefit Administrators (TABA), and a member of the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM), Houston West Chamber of Commerce, and Texas Association of Business.