Banner Blue News                 

AA publication of  Wabash Memorial Hospital Association - Est 1884

  Fall Edition                                                                September ~ 2005

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                            Escalating Costs Plaque The Health Care Industry

With drug companies raising their prices astronomically now to hedge their profits later when Medicare Part D plans begin, hospital associations are feeling the pinch.  Although administrative costs are down six percent from the same period in 2004, rising medical claim and pharmacy costs are outpacing our savings.  As with all insurance plans, those that generate surpluses subsidize those who do not. Those being subsidized significantly during our first six months:  (revenue / costs compared with the same period of 2004):

Benefit Schedule                            Revenue                    Claim Costs                   Loss Per Member / Month

A (Disq/Disb)                                     -23%                          +84%                           -$90          

G (Med Retiree)                                 +8%                           +18%                           -$64

H (Med Spouse)                                 +5%                           +19%                           -$28

L (Assoc member upgrade)               no change                     +87%                           -$188

Fortunately, gains generated in other plans combined with lower administrative costs provide for an overall surplus through six months of $104,000.00.

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                                                        HAVE A FLU-FREE SEASON

We're hopeful that we can really administer flu shots this year.  Eight hundred doses are ordered to be administered (at no charge)  through our Decatur Clinic.  These are available not only to Central Illinois members but also road crews and other members who are willing to come to Decatur.  To accommodate this additional seasonal work for our Clinic staff, tentatively the week of October 24-28th from 9AM - 11:30 AM and 1:30PM-4PM has been set aside to administer flu and pneumonia shots. These are tentative dates and contingent upon receipt of our flu vaccine supply.  No appointments are necessary to receive an injection.  If you're from out of town, please check the date of your last pneumonia shot since they're recommended only every five years.  Remember to check with your physician if you have any doubt as to whether or not you meet the criteria to receive flu or pneumonia vaccine.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________                                                                  Medicare Handbook

It's true - the Medicare Member Handbook has been printed and Medicare members can look forward to receiving it about the same time as this newsletter.  If you are a Medicare member and do not receive one by late October, call Wabash Member Services at 1-888-800-9161.