|
|
 UpdateA Publication of  for
Presidents/Chancellors, Chief Financial Officers and Directors of Human
Resources of ICUT Member Institutions |
| Mission Statement |
|
As the proven choice
for qualifying private educational institutions,
collaboratively focuses on innovative, quality benefit choices,
actively managing costs, and sustained, superior service. |
|
Governor Signs “Revised Franchise Tax” Bill Exempting CARES |
|
The 80th Legislative
Session of the Texas Legislature was a success for
. The
self-funded, non-profit healthcare consortium comprised of
members of Independent Colleges and Universities of Texas, Inc.,
(ICUT) is covered under the provisions of HB 3928. This bill
exempts 501(c)(9) entities from the new state margins tax.
Governor Perry signed the bill on June 15 and it goes into effect
on January 1, 2008. In the previous session, legislation was
passed which exempted
from regulation by the Texas Department
of Insurance. This gives the consortium more flexibility in its
operations and allows more control of the organization by its
members and Board. |
| CARES Hosts Symposium on Hot Topics in Health Care |
|
members and their colleagues from twelve
ICUT member institutions heard about
’ success and plans
for the future from
President, Robert Galecke, before
hearing from the day’s guest speakers. National health challenges, including the “obesity epidemic”, building successful wellness
challenges, and legislative issues were highlighted topics of the
program. Interest in current healthcare challenges, particularly at
institutions of higher education, was at a high level at
the Symposium held in Irving on July
26th. Jay Kirschbaum, JD, Vice President and National Director of Employee Benefits and Legal Research group, Willis, discussed proposed legislation, recent lawsuits, and new rules that apply to employer sponsored group medical plans. Nicholas J. Gettas, MD, Vice President and Senior Medical Executive, CIGNA, shared the physician’s perspective for best practices, cost containment measures, disease management, and consumerism. The award winning wellness program at Texas Instruments was highlighted by Linda Moon, Manager of Wellness for TI. In addition to the five member institutions from , representatives attended
from Baylor, Dallas Baptist, East Texas Baptist,
Howard Payne, LeTourneau, McMurry, Schreiner, SMU, Southwestern, St.
Mary’s, Texas Wesleyan, and University of the Incarnate Word. |
| CARES Completes Successful Year |
|
has had a successful year and
all five member institutions have extended their membership.
members and visiting colleagues from Texas Independent Colleges and
Universities heard details of a year of outstanding performance by
from Marc Bilodeau, the underwriter from Willis. Healthcare
cost spending for the
program is outperforming the market with
respect to medical trend. A variety of factors are evaluated by
Willis on a continuing basis. offers a competitive risk pool, proactive financial management,
multiple plan choices, and enhanced customer service among other
advantages. To find out more about
and how to request a proposal
contact Executive Director, Mary Jo Hatch, at 817-257-5975 or via email
to m.j.hatch@caresbenefits.org. |
| We Want to Hear from You |
|
got its start as a result of
dedicated efforts of representatives of more than 25 member
institutions of Independent Colleges and Universities of Texas, Inc.
(ICUT). A major objective of is to provide attractive benefits
opportunities for all ICUT members. In order to reach this objective,
needs to know what ICUT members are seeking. Please send your
comments to
m.j.hatch@caresbenefits.org. |
