News

Flush from victory in passing patients' rights legislation, Senate Democrats are expected to push for a Medicare prescription drug benefit this fall. The new Senate leadership seems to have found that championing health care is a winning strategy and is eager to build on its success.

The issues are much the same, but many of the key players have changed. With the clock ticking, compromise may prove as elusive as ever.

The states' solutions

Tired of waiting for Washington to act, governors and legislators are becoming reluctant reformers. A heady mix of proposals is seasoned by money problems and well stirred by neophyte legislators.

Prescription drug costs are a favorite target for employers these days, but the forces that drive spending increases range far beyond pricing.

Are health plans managing care or cash? And who should pay when things go wrong for patients? Emerging lawsuits have many employers worried.

BLIPS

News brief.

Multinational corporations face unique challenges in varied business and social environments, but the components of a solid employee assistance program are much the same at home or abroad.

Federal regulations aside, it&s obvious that injured workers cost you money. A comprehensive response includes risk identification, careful shopping for equipment and ongoing education.