News You Can Use: Employers against mandate

President-elect Obama, take note: A pre-election survey by Buck Consultants finds that U.S. employers want to continue to provide health coverage to their employees, but are against a government mandate to do so.

Most employers favor a health-care system similar to what already exists, but adding:
• a safety net for the uninsured.
• a continuing, and potentially expanded, role for consumer-driven health plans.
• a national promotion of health and wellness.

Among other findings, if a mandate does become law, two-thirds believe employers should have plan design discretion, such as the option to offer CDHPs. As the Chamber of Commerce's public affairs director Katie Strong told Benefits Forum & Expo attendees in Sept., "Employers feel that they can manage health benefits and plan flexibility much better than the federal government."

News You Can Use: Voters defeat pension measures

Voters in five states last week voted down measures that would put more of state and local pension investments at risk in the stock market, further illustrating investor nervousness in light of the current economic crisis.

Scone: Congratulations, President-elect Obama

Illinois Sen. Barack Obama (D) was elected the nation's 44th president by a decisive margin yesterday, winning 349 electoral votes to Sen. John McCain's (R-Ariz.) 162.

The president-elect addressed the nation last night, acknowledging the challenges our nation faces at home and abroad, saying, "the road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even one term, but America, I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there. I promise you: We as a people will get there."

I congratulate President-elect Obama and hope all Americans rally to support him in working to solve our nation's diverse problems. To EBN readers, whether Obama won your vote or not, I hope that you made your desire for America's future known by participating in the process and that you will make your voice heard to our new president on the issues that matter most to you.

The level of engagement this year from people who never before have participated in the voting process and the change it can yield should inspire you. I encourage you to read up on Obama's positions on health care and retirement, and respond with your unique views.

Speaking of your views, I sincerely thank everyone who participated in our "rock the vote" quickpoll about the benefits-related issue that was most important to you in the election. Not surprisingly, health care reform topped the list, with 37% of the vote. Reducing benefit costs and reducing administrative burdens on HR/benefits staff tied with 30%.

For my part, I look forward to giving the issues that matter most to you and your employees a platform in EBN and bringing you benefits news and trends amid our new political reality.

Tip of the Day

VOTE!

That's all. Happy Election Day!

Scone: Benefit managers, Rock the Vote!

Okay, so maybe you’re outside the target demographic for MTV’s get out the vote push. But with less than a week to go until election day, it’s time to make your choice and show the power of your industry as a voting bloc.

For those of you still undecided, here’s a reminder of where Sens. McCain and Obama stand on benefits-related issues from EBN coverage, independent analysis and the candidates themselves.
- Parties diverge on health care reform
- Health reform standing front and center: Democratic presidential candidates agree
- McCain’s health platform taxes benefits as income
- Presidential candidates showcase their small business views
- Best of both worlds key to health care reform

Then take our Daily Diversion quickpoll (right) on the issue that is most important to you in this election. I’m looking forward to reading your responses.