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Image provided by: Suffolk Cooperative Library System
Now is the tim e to investigate h ealth care plan alternatives October 210,2010, BEACON SHOPPER . 7C Nearly two-thirds o f Americans say the n ation al dialogue on health care has encouraged them to review their health benefits more closely dur ing this year’s open-enrollm ent period, accord ing to a new survey by United Healthcare. Sur vey respondents said that in the past they only spent an hour or less reviewing their benefit op tions, which affect some o f their m ost important health care needs. Fall is the most com mon tim e o f the year for employers ask their employees to review, apd se lect their benefit option? for file upcoming year. “Qpeii enrollment season Is a great learning opportunity, but that learning environment must be a two-way street,” said Bill Golden, chief exec utive officer of United Healthcare o f New York. “Just as we encourage people to closely examine their health benefits and ask questions, it’s also important that employers and insurers com mu nicate clearly about the different options that are available. Consumers who better understand their health care options make better health de cisions, which can lead to better personal health and well-being.” United Healthcare’s national survey - conduct ed via telephone with nearly 1,000 adults age 18 or older and who receive their health coverage tfisidiJ noi'fdsS i ü i o k I ---------------------------------— ................................................................................................................................................................... ' REHABILITATIO N SE R V IC E S through their or a family member’s employer - found that: •Nearly two-thirds (65 percent) o f respondents say that, as a result o f the national dialogue on health care, they will review their health benefits more closely. •Half o f the respondents report that in the past, they spent only an hour or less reviewing their enrollment materials and learning about their health benefits during open enrollment. By com parison, a May 2010 survey conducted by Har ris Interactive for Zillow Mortgage Markplace found that consumers spend on average 10 hours researching a new car and five hours researching a mortgage. •More than one-third (40 percent) o f respon dents - and 48 percent o f 18-34 year olds - report they only “somewhat” understand their health benefits but want to learn more, or do not un derstand them at all. •Seventy-seven percent say their employer can improve the open-enrollm ent process by using simpler language to describe benefits. Sixty- nine percent say they would like their employers to provide new types o f educational materials, such as interactive or multimedia. •Respondents’ top-two preferred methods for learning about their health benefits are through brochures or print materials that describe their benefits (31 percent) and an easy-to-understand website that teaches them about their benefits (29 percent). Among 18-34 year olds, a website is the m ost preferred m ethod (44 percent). To help simplify health benefit information, United Healthcare has enhanced its Health- CareLane.com www.healthcarelane.com website, a virtual town whose “residents” explain funda mental health insurance topics in friendly, en gaging conversations. The site is an interactive resource available to all consumers who want to learn more about health insurance. New additions to the town include a drive-in movie theater where visitors can watch videos about a number o f general health-related is sues, and a com m u nity park where visitors can learn more about United Healthcare’s health and wellness services, including the Healthy Preg nancy Program and the Quicken Health Expense Tracker. “Better health truly does start with better in formation,” said Golden. “Health Care Lane helps people learn more about their benefits and select what is best for them and their family in a fun and simple way.” Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy “The new rehab facility in West Islip has both adult and pediatric therapists, allowing my son and me to rehab at the same time.” ÇoodSam. Çood Choice. “The therapists a t Good Samaritan were familiar with all means of treatment and got me back in shape and on hack.” - Therese W eber, N. Babylon Our highly skilled, licensed therapists focus on personalized treatm ent and education to help patients return to their lives, including school, work and athletic activities. “The pediatric rehabilitation services are great. They really work well with children o f a ll ages. The equipment is age-appropriate, and the staff engage children to work. “ - Cynthia Reese, Deer Park Good choice for rehabilitation. When Long islanders need staie-of-the-art physical, occupational or speech therapy, they turn to Good Sam. Our personal attention and individualized care give all patients— children, teens and adults— the comfort and confidence they need. Our newest location for rehabilitation services, at 5 6 0 Union Boulevard in W est isiip, means greater convenience for our patients—-with the same one-to-one care they’ve always known. There really is only one good choice. Good Sam. GOOD SAMARITAN l£M HOSPITAL M E D IC A L C E N T E R • Physical Therapy • Occupational Therapy • Speech Therapy • Athletic Screenings • Pediatric Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy • “Handwriting Without Tears’ Curriculum • Pediatric Feeding Program • BalanceA/estibuiar Rehabilitation • Orthotics A Member of Catholic Health Services A MAGNKT\ (WSlCNATfS» HOSÍITAI, (631) 376-4444 • www.good-samaritan-hospital.org • Renal Rehabilitation • Back School • C.A.R.E.S. (Chüdnen Are Riding Everywhere Safety)
