Health Insurance Symposium September 20th, 2005
Minneapolis, September 20, 2005 - RJF Agencies hosting health insurance symposium for employers
Plymouth-based RJF Agencies today announced its plans to bring together representatives from the four largest health insurers in Minnesota BlueCross BlueShield, HealthPartners, Medica and PreferredOne to talk about the future of the health care system and health insurance. The symposium, which will be held Oct. 20 at the Marriot Minneapolis West from 7:30 a.m. to 12: 30 p.m., will allow corporate employee benefits purchasers to hear exactly what these organizations believe is in store for the future of the industry and how they can better manage their costs.
RJF Employee Benefits Consultant Mick Hannafin, who helped organize the event, said, "It's been a long time since these four companies came together to offer open and honest discussion on the future of health care. Employers, and their employees, have taken a tremendous beating over the past several years as their premiums have skyrocketed. Companies want to continue offering benefits, but many are running out of affordable options. I believe this symposium will provide purchasers some answers and new insight into the direction of and issues confronting this industry."
Minnesota employers have been experiencing high single-digit to low double-digit premium increases for the past several years. This trend has led many insurers to begin offering new products, aided by federal and state legislation, such as the creation of health savings accounts (HSAs).
Many see consumer-directed health plans to be one solution to the rapidly inflating prices, while others believe greater efficiencies in care delivery might ease the situation. Regardless of the cause, employers are anxious for relief from these rising costs.
"There are so many new developments within the industry being introduced, consumers are having a difficult time keeping up," Hannafin said. "This forum will provide an outlet for customers to not only learn why a given insurer is instituting new programs, but also be able to compare one option against another, and one insurer against another."
This symposium is free and open to the public, although reservations are required. Companies will be limited to two representatives each. To register, call 763-746-8505. More information is available from Mick Hannafin at 763-746-8294 or hannafinm@rjfagencies.com.
About RJF Agencies
RJF Agencies, Inc., is among the 100 "largest brokers of U.S. business," according to the most recent Business Insurance ranking. Its values-driven approach facilitates growth and strengthens companies using comprehensive programs that reduce the cost of organizational risk. Its process integrates employee benefits, commercial insurance, alternative risk programs, loss prevention, claim management, HR consulting, wellness management and financial services. With six offices in Minnesota and Wisconsin, RJF represents and services more than 6,000 corporate clients. In April, industry trade magazine Rough Notes recognized RJF as its Agency of the Month. The Twin Cities Business Journal named it as one of the fastest growing private companies in Minnesota six times in the past seven years, as well as the best medium-sized employer in Minnesota.