News from the Institute for Human Services and Nonprofits from the Southern Tier

IHS Weekly Update March is Membership Month; have your organization become a part of IHS today! Did you know that the IHS membership year runs from April 1-March 31st?  Renew today to continue receiving IHS member benefits! Find out the top ten reasons why you should be an IHS member. Read More> Click here for IHS Nonprofit Membership Benefits >  Nonprofit Membership Application >

March Volunteer in the Spotlight: Andrea Shields

This month's Volunteer in the Spotlight, Andrea Shields, dedicates her time as a NY-Committee member for Sperr Memorial Park, a Co-Race Director for the Time to Sperr Run/Walk, and a Girls on the Run of the Southern Tier volunteer. Andrea decided to start volunteering for Sperr Memorial Park and Time to Sperr in honor of Trooper Andrew J. Sperr, who was a friend and co-worker of her husband. She enjoys organizing the Time to Sperr event, which raises funds for park maintenance and improvements, as well as seeing individuals participate in a run for the first time. Similarly, she chose to volunteer with GOTRST because she believes it is a fantastic program and enjoyed seeing the girls finish their first 5k. Although the balance between family, work, and volunteering can be a challenge, Andrea's favorite part of volunteering is being able to meet new people - she believes that everyone has a story that needs to be heard.  Read More About Andrea >

Developing a Winning Grant Proposal - A Course Offered by CCC

The Office of Workforce Development & Community Education at Corning Community College presents "Developing a Winning Grant Proposal," a course that will provide students with the background necessary to develop a competitive funding proposal. Through providing an introduction to the basic skills, principles, and techniques of successful grant writing, participants completing the course will develop the essential skills and knowledge to write a winning grant proposal. The course will be held every Friday from April 19th to May 17th, at the Business Development Center in Corning and will be facilitated by Hillary Anderson. The fee per participant is $450 and interested individuals can enroll by contacting the Office of Workforce Development. Learn More >

Save the Date!  Learn About These Upcoming IHS Educational Opportunities!

The Coalition Impact: Community Mobilization and Environmental Change.  Learn More >, Register Here > Meth Lab Recognition for Health Care and Human Service Professionals.  Learn More >, Register Here > Adolescent Health and Wellness Conference - May 31st. STNED Fifth Anniversary Celebration! Learn More >Register Here >

"Inside the Dementia Epidemic": A Daughter's Memoir

The Chemung County Alzheimer's Facilitators present local author, Martha Stettinius, on Saturday, April 6th from 9 am - 12 pm at the Elmira/Corning Hilton Garden Inn. This free program will cover such areas as advocating for your loved one at home or in a facility, experiencing the joy of caregiving, finding the support you need, and planning ahead for end of life wishes. Reservations are required by March 29th and can be made by calling the Chemung County Department of Aging at (607) 737-5520. Learn More >

Join us for the 2013 IHS Annual Conference - RSVP Today!

Our full day conference will be held on Wednesday, March 20that the Radisson Hotel in Corning. The day includes our Annual Meeting and three tracks, with three sessions per track, of worthwhile educational opportunities. Participants choose which session to go to at the conference. Attendees will also be able to learn more about IHS and other nonprofit agencies by visiting our Exhibitor Hall.   Conference Brochure and Registration >

IHS Annual Conference - Request for Exhibitors

Want to get the word out about your organization to professionals across the state?  Be an exhibitor at our annual conference. 2013 Request for Exhibitors

Health Insurance Open House at the Chemung County Department of Health

Fidelis Care and the Chemung County Department of Health invite you to attend a Health Insurance Open House being held on both Monday, March 18th from 9 am - 12 pm and Thursday, March 21st from 1 pm - 4 pm at the Chemung County Department of Health. The Open House will include free blood pressure screenings and opportunities to apply for Child Health Plus, Family Health Plus, or Medicaid Managed Care with Fidelis Care (proof of age, income, and address necessary.)  Learn More >

News from NYCON

Dollars through the Door: Who Does What in Nonprofit Fundraising? [Lunch & Learn Webinar] Wednesday, March 13, 2013 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM (EDT)  Online - Call And Login Information Will Be Sent To You 24-48 Hours In Advance Of This Workshop Register Today Limited Spots Available This session provides an introduction to the diverse strategies nonprofits can use to generate revenue for their organizations with an emphasis on planning, sustainability and the role of Executive Staff and Board Members in fundraising efforts. We will be covering four key topics that typically arise when discussions of "fundraising" occur.  These are the importance of integrating fund development planning at the board and staff level. how to build and effective board/staff partnership including the role of each in creating and implementing a plan. overcoming the fear of the "ask" with consistent, impactful messaging and considering new and innovative entrepreneurial approaches. Register Today Limited Spots Available

New Year, Great Time to Explore New Employee Benefits that You Can Afford! We know that the Employe Benefits "Market" can be complicated.  Our job is to help make that world more simple, and affordable for nonprofits. To help you understand each type of benefit, it's coverage features and it's costs we are rolling out a series of short 30-minute webinar spotlights on our administered programs: Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts and our Vision Program - which is new for 2013! 3/21/2013  [Benefit Spotlight Webinar] Vision Insurance    4/11/2013  [Benefit Spotlight Webinar] Dental Insurance Plans & Administration through NYCON  Stay tuned for our Flexible Spending Account & Life Insurance Webinars in the Spring....

Nonprofit Audits in a Nutshell   [Free Members Only Webinar] March 28th, 2013    3:30pm to 4:30pm  Register Today!   Like yours, many nonprofit organizations often find themselves   wondering... Do we need to have an independent audit? (And what does that entail anyway?) Are there special rules for us because we receive government grants? How can we prepare so that the process goes smoothly?    What's the board's role? To answer these questions and more, the New York Council of Nonprofits (NYCON) is excited to bring you Nonprofit Audits in a Nutshell, a free webinar on March 28th at 3:30pm Eastern, hosted by our national network, the National Council of Nonprofits. This webinar features practical tips from nonprofits about their audit practices, as well as experts from BoardSource and Raffa and is designed to give you background on everything you need to know about the independent audit process (from legal requirements to practical advice).     Thanks to the support of First Nonprofit Foundation, this exclusive webinar is available, free of charge, to all members of NYCON Don't miss this opportunity - Register Today! Free and Open to Current NYCON Members Only (click here to renew your membership for 2013 before registering)

Upcoming NYCON Membership Orientation  (for all new and returning members!

3/22/2013 [Please note the date change] Membership Benefits Orientation [Webinar]  In our "Get to Know Us" Sessions, NYCON staff will tell you a lot more about our membership benefits - and answer all the questions you have regarding our process, costs and what you get for FREE.      We will be talking about these benefits. Nonprofit Training, Education and Professional Assistance NYCON empowers our members with the best practices, policies, and procedures as well as information on ever-changing regulations, funding, accountability and more. Cost Savings Solutions for Nonprofits NYCON leverages the purchasing power of thousands of nonprofits to bring you economies of scale on everything from Office Supplies to Fundraising Software. The Nonprofit Voice in New York State NYCON represents our members on the local, state and national level, giving voice to small and medium sized nonprofits everywhere.

Upcoming Webinars from NYCON and an Important message

Upcoming Webinars and a statement from the National Councit of Nonprofits New Year, Great Time to Explore New Employee Benefits that You Can Afford! We know that the Employe Benefits "Market" can be complicated.  Our job is to help make that world more simple, and affordable for nonprofits. To help you understand each type of benefit, it's coverage features and it's costs we are rolling out a series of short 30-minute webinar spotlights on our administered programs: Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts and our Vision Program - which is new for 2013! Our Series Starts Next Week! Register Today... 3/7/2013 [Benefit Spotlight Webinar] Health Insurance Plans 3/21/2013  [Benefit Spotlight Webinar] Vision Insurance    4/11/2013  [Benefit Spotlight Webinar] Dental Insurance Plans & Administration through NYCON  Stay tuned for our Flexible Spending Account & Life Insurance Webinars in the Spring.... Dollars through the Door: Who Does What in Nonprofit Fundraising? [Lunch & Learn Webinar] Wednesday, March 13, 2013  10:00 AM to 12:00 PM (EDT)  Online - Call And Login Information Will Be Sent To You 24-48 Hours In Advance Of This Workshop Register Today Limited Spots Available This session provides an introduction to the diverse strategies nonprofits can use to generate revenue for their organizations with an emphasis on planning, sustainability and the role of Executive Staff and Board Members in fundraising efforts. We will be covering four key topics that typically arise when discussions of "fundraising" occur.  These are the importance of integrating fund development planning at the board and staff level. how to build and effective board/staff partnership including the role of each in creating and implementing a plan. overcoming the fear of the "ask" with consistent, impactful messaging and considering new and innovative entrepreneurial approaches. Register Today Limited Spots Available Nonprofit Audits in a Nutshell   [Free Members Only Webinar] March 28th, 2013    3:30pm to 4:30pm  Register Today!   Like yours, many nonprofit organizations often find themselves   wondering... Do we need to have an independent audit? (And what does that entail anyway?) Are there special rules for us because we receive government grants? How can we prepare so that the process goes smoothly?    What's the board's role? To answer these questions and more, the New York Council of Nonprofits (NYCON) is excited to bring you Nonprofit Audits in a Nutshell, a free webinar on March 28th at 3:30pm Eastern, hosted by our national network, the National Council of Nonprofits. This webinar features practical tips from nonprofits about their audit practices, as well as experts from BoardSource and Raffa and is designed to give you background on everything you need to know about the independent audit process (from legal requirements to practical advice).     Thanks to the support of First Nonprofit Foundation, this exclusive webinar is available, free of charge, to all members of NYCON Don't miss this opportunity - Register Today! Free and Open to Current NYCON Members Only (click here to renew your membership for 2013 before registering) Upcoming NYCON Membership Orientation  (for all new and returning members! 3/22/2013 [Please note the date change] Membership Benefits Orientation [Webinar]  In our "Get to Know Us" Sessions, NYCON staff will tell you a lot more about our membership benefits - and answer all the questions you have regarding our process, costs and what you get for FREE.      We will be talking about these benefits. Nonprofit Training, Education and Professional Assistance  NYCON empowers our members with the best practices, policies, and procedures as well as information on ever-changing regulations, funding, accountability and more.  Cost Savings Solutions for Nonprofits NYCON leverages the purchasing power of thousands of nonprofits to bring you economies of scale on everything from Office Supplies to Fundraising Software. The Nonprofit Voice in New York State NYCON represents our members on the local, state and national level, giving voice to small and medium sized nonprofits everywhere. Statement from National Council of Nonprofits on Sequestration Cuts Washington, DC -  "While Washington lawmakers play the blame game over who is responsible for letting sequestration's automatic spending cuts go into effect, America's nonprofits, and the people they serve, have been the first to suffer the consequences. "Nonprofits have been in limbo for months already due to sequestration's uncertainty with contract renewals held up as states and localities wait to see how they are affected by the cuts. While for-profit road-builders cease laying asphalt until payments are guaranteed, nonprofits continue providing needed services in their local communities. Nonprofits with government contracts and grants haven't kickedat-risk children out of group homes, cut back on care for mentally ill individuals, or stopped serving meals to seniors. Instead, nonprofits have continued operations as best they could, effectively subsidizing governments.  "As the reality of sequestration cuts play out, the work of nonprofits is going to become even more difficult from multiple compounding factors as many are hit by direct funding cuts to programs, hit again as state and local governments cut their funding further to make up for their own budgets being cut, and hit a third time as people who are furloughed or laid off as part of sequestrationturn to nonprofits for help in unprecedented numbers. Charitable nonprofits are already severely depleted from doing so much more, for so many more, for so much longer, with so much less; they can no longer underwrite government's failures. Nonprofit employees and board members can no longer pick up the slack as elected officials refuse to do their jobs... Read the full statement

Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield donates $5,000 Health Ministry of the Southern Tier

Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield donates $5,000 Health Ministry of the Southern Tier

Southern Tier, NY — Excellus BlueCross BlueShield (Excellus BCBS) donated $5,000 February 14th to support the Health Ministry of the Southern Tier, which  continues to provide medical and dental services  for people that lack health insurance. The check was presented at 2:30 p.m. at the Corning Facility located at 300 Nasser Civic Center Plaza, Corning.
The Health Ministry of the Southern Tier exists to treat those who, for lack of insurance and the ability to pay, defer doctor visits, avoid medical treatment, and neglect their health.  Though it does not provide emergency care, it offers primary care for residents with high-maintenance chronic illnesses who would otherwise have to resort to treatment at emergency rooms in their local hospitals.  
The Excellus BCBS, funding will help support the initiative to enable the centers to coordinate and support operations through centralized electronic medical records and communications as well as remote access for providers and other designated personnel.
“We’re proud to be a locally-based company and are committed to helping local organizations that share our mission of building a healthier community,” said Kevin McGurgan, regional president for Excellus BlueCross BlueShield.
Excellus BlueCross BlueShield is upstate New York’s largest nonprofit health plan covering about 1.9 million people.  In addition to being one of upstate New York’s largest employers with more than 6,000 employees in about 50 locations, the health plan and its parent company are also one of its largest consumers of local goods and services, doing business with more than 5,000 companies, many located right here in upstate New York.  Together, the health plan and its parent company’s total economic impact on upstate communities amount to about $900 million a year. 

To read the online article Click Here

Did You Know: Dental PPO Balanced Billing?

Dental Benefits: What is Balanced Billing? 

 

 

This year, once a month, Council Services Plus will be bringing you tid-bits of helpful and interesting facts and information about insurance. 

  

Last month we discussed Dental Benefit Maximums; so keeping with that theme, this month we

we'll focus on another term that often is associated with dental benefits: PPO Balanced Billing.

Many times employees choose a dentist that may not participate in the "network" of dentists approved by the plan offered by the employer. Many dental plans offer out-of-network benefits and still pay claims submitted by dentists that do not participate with that plan. If your plan has out-of-network coverage (usually associated with Point of Service (POS) or Preferred Provider organization (PPO) plans) you need to be aware of the fees charged by that dentist, and what your plan deems as reasonable and customary (R&C) charges that they will pay for.

When you use a participating (or preferred) provider, that dentist has agreed to accept the company's R&C fees as the basis for their billing. For example, if a filling R&C fee is $100, then the participating dentist must charge that for a filling. If your coinsurance is 80%, then you pay $20 (20% of $100) and the company pays $80.

 

Let's now assume you go to a non-participating provider and they charge $150 for the same filling. The insurance plan will still base the amount they pay at 80% of R&C ($100) and you must pay the "balance" of the bill due to the non-participating dentist. Under this situation, your cost is $70 ($150-$80). You can see why you may "prefer" to see a "preferred" provider in a PPO plan to help keep your costs down. 

Help Your Employees Cover the Cost of Healthcare

CS Plus Now Offers Access to Affordable, Comprehensive Voluntary Benefits for Your Employees In a stressful time, specified disease insurance can help protect your employees and let them concentrate on what matters most. The American Cancer Society reports that cancer costs Americans nearly $230 billion annually, and much of that is considered indirect or hidden costs not covered by major medical plans (Loss of wages, deductibles/coinsurance, travel expenses, lodging/meals, child care, etc).  CS Plus now offers your employees access to Specified Disease Insurance for Cancer from Colonial Voluntary Benefits (underwritten by The Paul Revere Life Insurance Company). This type of policy pays specific benefits for cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Specified Disease Insurance for Cancer Plan Benefit Includes: Wellness benefit - Payable for one of the specified cancer screening tests performed. Bone marrow donor benefit - Payable if you donate your bone marrow to another person who has been identified as a match to your bone marrow type. Inpatient benefits - Payable for hospital-related services such as hospital confinement, ambulance, air ambulance and full-time nursing services. Treatment benefits - Payable for cancer treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy, anti-nausea medication and medical imaging. Surgical procedures benefits - Payable for surgery performed to treat cancer, including reconstructive surgery and anesthesia. Transportation and lodging benefits - Payable if you must travel to receive cancer treatment. Extended care benefits - Payable for extended care services such as home health care, hospice and skilled nursing care Rates starting as low as $13.75 per month, per employee. For More Information Please Contact: Licensed Account Representatives Kristie Hood at  (877) 501-4277 x129, khood@councilservicesplus.com; or Eric Laughlin at x128, elaughlin@councilservicesplus.com

Help Your Employees Cover the Cost of Healthcare

CS Plus Now Offers Access to Affordable, Comprehensive Voluntary Benefits for Your Employees In a stressful time, specified disease insurance can help protect your employees and let them concentrate on what matters most. The American Cancer Society reports that cancer costs Americans nearly $230 billion annually, and much of that is considered indirect or hidden costs not covered by major medical plans (Loss of wages, deductibles/coinsurance, travel expenses, lodging/meals, child care, etc).  CS Plus now offers your employees access to Specified Disease Insurance for Cancer from Colonial Voluntary Benefits (underwritten by The Paul Revere Life Insurance Company). This type of policy pays specific benefits for cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Specified Disease Insurance for Cancer Plan Benefit Includes: Wellness benefit - Payable for one of the specified cancer screening tests performed. Bone marrow donor benefit - Payable if you donate your bone marrow to another person who has been identified as a match to your bone marrow type. Inpatient benefits - Payable for hospital-related services such as hospital confinement, ambulance, air ambulance and full-time nursing services. Treatment benefits - Payable for cancer treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy, anti-nausea medication and medical imaging. Surgical procedures benefits - Payable for surgery performed to treat cancer, including reconstructive surgery and anesthesia. Transportation and lodging benefits - Payable if you must travel to receive cancer treatment. Extended care benefits - Payable for extended care services such as home health care, hospice and skilled nursing care Rates starting as low as $13.75 per month, per employee. For More Information Please Contact: Licensed Account Representatives Kristie Hood at  (877) 501-4277 x129, khood@councilservicesplus.com; or Eric Laughlin at x128, elaughlin@councilservicesplus.com

Employer Notice of Health Insurance Exchange to Employees – Delayed

Employer Notice of Health Insurance Exchange to Employees – Delayed

The Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and U.S. Treasury issued new guidance on January 24, 2013 delaying the requirement that employers notify all employees about the existence of the new health insurance exchanges.

Originally scheduled to take effect by March 1 of this year, the notice requirement has been put on hold until late summer or early fall of 2013. A new effective date has not yet been determined. Once a new effective date is announced, it is expected that employers will be required to distribute the notice to all existing employees, as well as to new employees upon hire.

The Department of Labor may issue model language for employers to use in satisfying the notice requirement.

It is expected that the notice must include:

       A description of what Exchanges are, what they provide, and where employees can go to find more information about them;

       Information regarding available tax credits if the employer doesn’t provide minimum essential coverage and the employee purchases health insurance on the Exchange; and

       A statement that employees who purchase coverage on the Exchange may lose any employer contributions and that these contributions may be excludable from employees’ income when they file their Federal income tax

We will keep you informed when new guidance becomes available.

Please visit our Health Reform page often for the latest information and updates

How Are You and Your Clients Impacted by Health Care Reform?

How Are YOU and Your Clients Impacted by Health Care Reform?

Health care reform is intended to overhaul the health care system, expand affordable coverage, change insurance rules and create an online marketplace (exchange) in each state for the individual and small group markets.

Health care reform will affect individuals, families, businesses, physicians, hospitals and health insurance carriers.

Some aspects of the law are already effective and others will be phased in over the next few years. Regulations will continue to be issued as implementation of the health care reform law is not yet complete. To help you understand the law, the most important provisions and dates are outlined in a new brochure (PDF), "How are YOU Impacted? An Employer's Guide to Health Care Reform."

To request printed copies of the brochure, please contact your Account Consultant and reference form number B-4280.

View Brochure (PDF) >>

Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli's Weekly News

Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli's Weekly News

DiNapoli Finalizes Fiscal Monitoring System

State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli announced Monday his office has finalized plans to implement a statewide fiscal monitoring system that would publicly identify local governments experiencing financial strain.

DiNapoli: Inappropriate Payments Cited In Kingston Audit

The city of Kingston made $23,000 in improper payments to employees for unearned leave time, according to an audit released Thursday by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. As a result of the audit, former fire chief Richard Salzmann was arrested and charged by Ulster County District Attorney D. Holley Carnright with offering a false instrument for filing in the second degree, a class A misdemeanor.

DiNapoli: Empire BlueCross BlueShield Paying Hospitals Windfalls For Special Medical Items

New York State health insurance provider Empire BlueCross BlueShield has routinely allowed hospitals to charge excessive amounts for special medical items such as implants, drugs and blood, because they did not sign agreements to limit reimbursement for those items, according to an audit of the New York State Health Insurance Program released Friday by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli.

DiNapoli: Utica Facing Continued Fiscal Challenges

The city of Utica continues to struggle with recurring budget gaps and has nearly depleted its fund balances, according to a fiscal report issued Tuesday by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. The report is the latest in a series of fiscal profiles on cities across the state.

Comptroller DiNapoli Releases Municipal Audits

New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli Thursday announced his office completed audits of:

the Big Flats Fire District No. 2; the Golden Glow Volunteer Fire Company, Inc.; the Lincoln Fire District; and, the Village of Richmondville.

Comptroller DiNapoli Releases School Audits

New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli Thursday announced his office completed audits of:

the Hadley–Luzerne Central School District; and, the Hyde Park Central School District.

The Inexpensive Solution to Volunteer Protection

The Inexpensive Solution to Volunteer Protection

Sometimes, volunteers have accidents - injure someone, get hurt themselves, or have an auto accident. Usually, their own insurance is not enough to take care of the damage. And the nonprofit organization's insurance does not protect the volunteer in some critical areas of risk.

Your nonprofit organization has the option of adding volunteers as additional insureds on the commercial general liability (CGL) policy. However, such an endorsement usually excludes volunteers' travel between home and the place of volunteer duty. Also, a CGL endorsement excludes coverage for claims made by one volunteer against another. Finally, the organization risks sharing its own limits of insurance - under the CGL policy - with the volunteer.

Covering volunteers under workers' compensation usually is not the wisest approach. First, a volunteer's injury would affect the claims experience of the nonprofit, which could increase workers' compensation insurance costs. Second, workers' compensation does not protect the volunteer during travel to and from their volunteer duty. 

However, there is an inexpensive solution to the problem...

  

To protect volunteers, the Volunteers Insurance Service (VIS®) program offers the following three coverages separately or combined:

• Up to $50,000 in accident medical reimbursement as a result of covered accident - at a cost of $3.94 per volunteer per year;
• Up to $1,000,000 in personal liability insurance - $1.72 per volunteer per year with a minimum premium of $100;
• For those volunteers who drive, up to $500,000 in excess automobile liability insurance above the volunteer's own insurance -$6.34 per volunteer per year with a minimum premium of $100.  

Total cost per volunteer, if all coverages are selected: $12.00 per year. The organization simply insures the greatest number of volunteers it expects to have at any given time.

VIS® Membership is required in order to sign up for any of the above programs; which an annual membership fee of $135 (July-June fiscal year).

For More Info Click Here