“By using a VEBA, some plan sponsors may be able to preserve the tax deductibility of some or all of the future retiree prescription drug benefit payments impacted by PPACA.” (PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP)
does anyone know when this will take effect
VEBA Prefunding Can Preserve Tax Advantages of Medicare Subsidy
August 21st, 2011August 18, 2011 | Stephen Pires named Vice President of Care Continuum & Risk Services
August 21st, 2011Stephen Pires
NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — Southcoast Health System has promoted Stephen Pires to Vice President of Care Continuum & Risk Services. In his new role, Pires will continue to lead the Risk Management program for Southcoast Health System while assuming oversight of the Care Coordination department, which provides case management, social services and interpreter services at the three Southcoast Hospitals sites — Charlton Memorial in Fall River, St. Luke’s in New Bedford and Tobey hospital in Wareham.
Pires has worked at Southcoast and its legacy organizations his entire career, dating back to 1979. He has held various professional nursing and management positions at Southcoast, most recently serving as the Director of Risk Management for Southcoast Hospitals Group.
Pires holds a Bachelor of Nursing Science Degree from Southeastern Massachusetts University in Dartmouth and a Master of Healthcare Administration Degree from Walden University in Minneapolis.
Pires is a member of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, the American Society of Healthcare Risk Management and the Massachusetts Society of Healthcare Risk Management. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the Massachusetts Society of Healthcare Risk Management.
Pires resides in New Bedford with his wife, Mary Lou, and has three children, Sean Pires, Sarah Griffith and Kevin Pires.
VEBA Prefunding Can Preserve Tax Advantages of Medicare Subsidy
August 18th, 2011“By using a VEBA, some plan sponsors may be able to preserve the tax deductibility of some or all of the future retiree prescription drug benefit payments impacted by PPACA.” (PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP)
oh i can’t beleive it
August 11, 2011 | Top comedians perform to benefit Southcoast Centers for Cancer Care: Donor to match dollar-for-dollar all funds raised at “Laughter is the Best Medicine”
August 18th, 2011FALL RIVER, Mass. — Tickets are on sale now for “Laughter is the best medicine,” presented by the Charlton Memorial Hospital Business Council and presenting sponsor, Venus de Milo. This year’s hottest night of comedy headlines three top comedians and will take place on Friday, September 9, at 8 p.m. at Venus de Milo, 75 Grand Army Highway in Swansea. All proceeds from the event will be matched dollar-for-dollar by anonymous donor and will benefit the Southcoast Centers for Cancer Care.
Tickets are $25 per person with concessions and cash bar available during the event. Show your ticket at Venus de Milo or Jillian’s Sports Pub & Grill between June 20 and September 9 and receive a one-time, 10 percent discount on your meal.
Opening the event is comedian Langston Kerman along with our very own comedy sensation, the Portuguese Fireman Steve Lopes, and Canadian comedic sensation Heidi Foss.
Kerman performs across the country at popular venues such as Nick’s Comedy Stop, the Comedy Vault, Improv Boston, Gotham Comedy Club and the Comedy Studio. Kerman is known for his quick, sarcastic and sometimes uncomfortable approach to comedy.
Lopes is a local firefighter who has received great acclaim for his talent of poking fun at his Portuguese heritage and his experience growing up in a Portuguese-American community.
Foss is a two-time Canadian Comedy Awards Festival nominee for “Best Female Stand-Up.” Her dry, deadpan delivery has earned her three televised galas as part of the Montreal International Just for Laughs Festival as well as numerous appearances on CBC Television and on CTV’s “Comedy Now!”
“Laughter is the best medicine” is presented by the Charlton Memorial Hospital’s Business Council and presenting sponsor Venus de Milo to benefit the Southcoast Centers for Cancer Care. The event is sponsored by LarsenAllen LLP, Blount Fine Foods and Mallard Printing.
To purchase tickets, contact Southcoast Health System’s External Affairs department at 508-961-5353. More information about the event is available at www.southcoast.org/give/events.html.
About the Southcoast Centers for Cancer Care
Southcoast Centers for Cancer Care located in Fall River and, opening at the end of June in Fairhaven, feature the latest technology in radiation therapy and medical oncology services, including brachytherapy, image guided radiation therapy (IGRT), stereotactic radiotherapy, intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). The Southcoast Centers for Cancer Care offer patients a seamless continuum of care throughout Southcoast Health System — a program that supports not only patients’ medical needs but also their emotional and social needs.
Highlights of the Southcoast Centers for Cancer Care’s Fairhaven and Fall River facilities include the very latest technology in radiation therapy and medical oncology, spacious areas for chemotherapy, a dedicated Patient Navigator, advanced imaging including PET/CT, social work, nutrition, physical therapy and pharmacy services, fully electronic health records, multidisciplinary treatment planning conferences and many “green” elements.
The care delivered at the Southcoast Centers for Cancer Care is complimented by an outstanding cancer team, which includes dedicated medical and radiation oncologists and staff who have been treating cancer patients at Southcoast for decades — and new staff who include top-tier clinicians with a wealth of experience from some of the major academic cancer centers around the country.
More information is available at www.southcoast.org/cancercare/.
About Charlton Memorial Hospital Business Council
The Charlton Memorial Hospital Business Council is comprised of leaders of various companies and organizations that share a common goal of supporting the mission of Southcoast Health System to care for and improve the health and wellness of the individuals and communities served.
By participating in the Business Council members can be a voice in influencing health care services to benefit the local business community and receive education and information on heath care issues of significance to the local business community. For more information about joining the Charlton Memorial Hospital Business Council call 508-961-5353 or www.southcoast.org/give/.
if people only knew
Medicare Drug Insurance Premiums Won’t Rise in 2012
August 15th, 2011“Premiums for Medicare’s Part D prescription drug coverage averaged $30.76 a month in 2011, the agency said. It said the average premium in 2012 would be about $30 a month.” (U.S. News & World Report)
thanks for visiting today!
August 11, 2011 | Top comedians perform to benefit Southcoast Centers for Cancer Care: Donor to match dollar-for-dollar all funds raised at “Laughter is the Best Medicine”
August 15th, 2011FALL RIVER, Mass. — Tickets are on sale now for “Laughter is the best medicine,” presented by the Charlton Memorial Hospital Business Council and presenting sponsor, Venus de Milo. This year’s hottest night of comedy headlines three top comedians and will take place on Friday, September 9, at 8 p.m. at Venus de Milo, 75 Grand Army Highway in Swansea. All proceeds from the event will be matched dollar-for-dollar by anonymous donor and will benefit the Southcoast Centers for Cancer Care.
Tickets are $25 per person with concessions and cash bar available during the event. Show your ticket at Venus de Milo or Jillian’s Sports Pub & Grill between June 20 and September 9 and receive a one-time, 10 percent discount on your meal.
Opening the event is comedian Langston Kerman along with our very own comedy sensation, the Portuguese Fireman Steve Lopes, and Canadian comedic sensation Heidi Foss.
Kerman performs across the country at popular venues such as Nick’s Comedy Stop, the Comedy Vault, Improv Boston, Gotham Comedy Club and the Comedy Studio. Kerman is known for his quick, sarcastic and sometimes uncomfortable approach to comedy.
Lopes is a local firefighter who has received great acclaim for his talent of poking fun at his Portuguese heritage and his experience growing up in a Portuguese-American community.
Foss is a two-time Canadian Comedy Awards Festival nominee for “Best Female Stand-Up.” Her dry, deadpan delivery has earned her three televised galas as part of the Montreal International Just for Laughs Festival as well as numerous appearances on CBC Television and on CTV’s “Comedy Now!”
“Laughter is the best medicine” is presented by the Charlton Memorial Hospital’s Business Council and presenting sponsor Venus de Milo to benefit the Southcoast Centers for Cancer Care. The event is sponsored by LarsenAllen LLP, Blount Fine Foods and Mallard Printing.
To purchase tickets, contact Southcoast Health System’s External Affairs department at 508-961-5353. More information about the event is available at www.southcoast.org/give/events.html.
About the Southcoast Centers for Cancer Care
Southcoast Centers for Cancer Care located in Fall River and, opening at the end of June in Fairhaven, feature the latest technology in radiation therapy and medical oncology services, including brachytherapy, image guided radiation therapy (IGRT), stereotactic radiotherapy, intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). The Southcoast Centers for Cancer Care offer patients a seamless continuum of care throughout Southcoast Health System — a program that supports not only patients’ medical needs but also their emotional and social needs.
Highlights of the Southcoast Centers for Cancer Care’s Fairhaven and Fall River facilities include the very latest technology in radiation therapy and medical oncology, spacious areas for chemotherapy, a dedicated Patient Navigator, advanced imaging including PET/CT, social work, nutrition, physical therapy and pharmacy services, fully electronic health records, multidisciplinary treatment planning conferences and many “green” elements.
The care delivered at the Southcoast Centers for Cancer Care is complimented by an outstanding cancer team, which includes dedicated medical and radiation oncologists and staff who have been treating cancer patients at Southcoast for decades — and new staff who include top-tier clinicians with a wealth of experience from some of the major academic cancer centers around the country.
More information is available at www.southcoast.org/cancercare/.
About Charlton Memorial Hospital Business Council
The Charlton Memorial Hospital Business Council is comprised of leaders of various companies and organizations that share a common goal of supporting the mission of Southcoast Health System to care for and improve the health and wellness of the individuals and communities served.
By participating in the Business Council members can be a voice in influencing health care services to benefit the local business community and receive education and information on heath care issues of significance to the local business community. For more information about joining the Charlton Memorial Hospital Business Council call 508-961-5353 or www.southcoast.org/give/.
Rome wasnt built in a day!
Medicare Drug Insurance Premiums Won’t Rise in 2012
August 12th, 2011“Premiums for Medicare’s Part D prescription drug coverage averaged $30.76 a month in 2011, the agency said. It said the average premium in 2012 would be about $30 a month.” (U.S. News & World Report)
can believe what i am reading, so unfair
August 11, 2011 | Top comedians perform to benefit Southcoast Centers for Cancer Care: Donor to match dollar-for-dollar all funds raised at “Laughter is the Best Medicine”
August 12th, 2011FALL RIVER, Mass. — Tickets are on sale now for “Laughter is the best medicine,” presented by the Charlton Memorial Hospital Business Council and presenting sponsor, Venus de Milo. This year’s hottest night of comedy headlines three top comedians and will take place on Friday, September 9, at 8 p.m. at Venus de Milo, 75 Grand Army Highway in Swansea. All proceeds from the event will be matched dollar-for-dollar by anonymous donor and will benefit the Southcoast Centers for Cancer Care.
Tickets are $25 per person with concessions and cash bar available during the event. Show your ticket at Venus de Milo or Jillian’s Sports Pub & Grill between June 20 and September 9 and receive a one-time, 10 percent discount on your meal.
Opening the event is comedian Langston Kerman along with our very own comedy sensation, the Portuguese Fireman Steve Lopes, and Canadian comedic sensation Heidi Foss.
Kerman performs across the country at popular venues such as Nick’s Comedy Stop, the Comedy Vault, Improv Boston, Gotham Comedy Club and the Comedy Studio. Kerman is known for his quick, sarcastic and sometimes uncomfortable approach to comedy.
Lopes is a local firefighter who has received great acclaim for his talent of poking fun at his Portuguese heritage and his experience growing up in a Portuguese-American community.
Foss is a two-time Canadian Comedy Awards Festival nominee for “Best Female Stand-Up.” Her dry, deadpan delivery has earned her three televised galas as part of the Montreal International Just for Laughs Festival as well as numerous appearances on CBC Television and on CTV’s “Comedy Now!”
“Laughter is the best medicine” is presented by the Charlton Memorial Hospital’s Business Council and presenting sponsor Venus de Milo to benefit the Southcoast Centers for Cancer Care. The event is sponsored by LarsenAllen LLP, Blount Fine Foods and Mallard Printing.
To purchase tickets, contact Southcoast Health System’s External Affairs department at 508-961-5353. More information about the event is available at www.southcoast.org/give/events.html.
About the Southcoast Centers for Cancer Care
Southcoast Centers for Cancer Care located in Fall River and, opening at the end of June in Fairhaven, feature the latest technology in radiation therapy and medical oncology services, including brachytherapy, image guided radiation therapy (IGRT), stereotactic radiotherapy, intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). The Southcoast Centers for Cancer Care offer patients a seamless continuum of care throughout Southcoast Health System — a program that supports not only patients’ medical needs but also their emotional and social needs.
Highlights of the Southcoast Centers for Cancer Care’s Fairhaven and Fall River facilities include the very latest technology in radiation therapy and medical oncology, spacious areas for chemotherapy, a dedicated Patient Navigator, advanced imaging including PET/CT, social work, nutrition, physical therapy and pharmacy services, fully electronic health records, multidisciplinary treatment planning conferences and many “green” elements.
The care delivered at the Southcoast Centers for Cancer Care is complimented by an outstanding cancer team, which includes dedicated medical and radiation oncologists and staff who have been treating cancer patients at Southcoast for decades — and new staff who include top-tier clinicians with a wealth of experience from some of the major academic cancer centers around the country.
More information is available at www.southcoast.org/cancercare/.
About Charlton Memorial Hospital Business Council
The Charlton Memorial Hospital Business Council is comprised of leaders of various companies and organizations that share a common goal of supporting the mission of Southcoast Health System to care for and improve the health and wellness of the individuals and communities served.
By participating in the Business Council members can be a voice in influencing health care services to benefit the local business community and receive education and information on heath care issues of significance to the local business community. For more information about joining the Charlton Memorial Hospital Business Council call 508-961-5353 or www.southcoast.org/give/.
more to read in our archives
[Official Guidance] Text of EBSA Model Notice for Employers Regarding Health Insurance Premium Assistance Opportunities (PDF)
August 6th, 2011“If you are eligible for health coverage from your employer, but are unable to afford the premiums, some States have premium assistance programs that can help pay for coverage.” (U.S. Employee Benefits Security Administration)
more to read in our archives
August 1, 2011 | Tobey Hospital receives Baby-Friendly Designation: First community hospital in Massachusetts to receive prestigious designation
August 6th, 2011WAREHAM, Mass. — Tobey Hospital announced today that it has received Baby-Friendly Designation from Baby Friendly USA, a non-profit organization that implements the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative in the United States. Tobey Hospital is the third facility and the first community hospital in Massachusetts to receive this prestigious designation.
“Tobey Hospital met numerous requirements to achieve the Baby-Friendly Designation, including the practice of ‘rooming in,’ which allows mothers and infants to remain together 24-hours a day, providing breastfeeding education to all staff and encouraging skin-to-skin immediately after delivery,” said Liz Westwater, Project Manager for Baby-Friendly USA.
Tobey Hospital also provides breastfeeding support after discharge through bi-monthly support group and outpatient visits with certified location counselors.
“The outstanding work done by our hospital’s nurses combined with the strong support of our administration that always puts patients first, enables us to provide exceptional care for babies that are born at Tobey Hospital,” said Steven Mendes, MD, a pediatrician at Tobey and President of Southcoast Hospitals Group Medical Staff. “It was a huge undertaking to meet the requirements for this prestigious designation, but has enabled us to provide better care for the families in our community.”
“This designation is a significant achievement for Southcoast,” said Janine Fontaine, RN, Director of Women’s Health at Southcoast Hospitals Group. “Tobey Hospital has been recognized for delivering the best care to our breastfeeding families. I see this as a positive step forward for Southcoast Hospitals’ breastfeeding practices within our organization.”
“The nursing and medical staffs are dedicated to providing the best care to the patients who deliver at our hospital,” said Mary Ellen Boisvert, RN, Nurse Manager of the Family Centered Unit at Tobey Hospital. “Breastfeeding is the optimal feeding option, so we do our best to give mom and baby the best start to the lifelong benefits of breastfeeding.”
About the Baby-Friendly Initiative
The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative is a global program sponsored by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to encourage and recognize hospitals and birth centers that offer an optimal level of care for infant feeding. The initiative encourages and recognizes hospitals in giving breastfeeding mothers the information, confidence, and skills they need to successfully initiate and continue breastfeeding their babies. For more information visit www.babyfriendlyusa.org.
health insurance for cancer