Welcome to BenefitsPRO weekly roundup! Catch up with some of this week's headlines that we didn't cover.
Zenefits puts HR in your pocket
Zenefits announced its all-in-one mobile HR platform, empowering employees to have on-the-go access to HR-related information.
Prescription pills at fault for Prince's passing
The cause of death of musical legend Prince was pinpointed this week as an self-administered opioid overdose. This continues to heighten the debate on access to opioid prescriptions and the need to address the growing epidemic of opioid abuse in America.
Teaming up for Zika prevention
Allergan and Medicines360, a women's health and pharmaceutical nonprofit, jointly donated 10,000 unites of the latter's IUD Liletta to the CDC foundation in an effort to curb the Zika outbreak in Puerto Rico. Allergan also said it would donated more than 40,000 packs of birth control to the initiative.
Focus on brain health for seniors
June is Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month, so to celebrate, Brookdale, the largest senior living provider, will now assist its residents on developing and executing personalized brain health plans. Residents will be given a four-session course, allowing residents to learn about brain health through course and hands-on activities.
Ca-ching! Report shows less debt worry
EY released its latest financial wellness assessment analysis, with data from more than 3,000 respondents between 18 and 65. Forty-four percent say they are satisfied when taking into account their personal financial situation overall, with those in the 50 to 64 age range being the most satisfied of any other age group (51 percent). One of the more surprising data points given the news surrounding skyrocketing student loan debt shows that 64 percent of 18 to 25 year olds described their debt as "manageable." EY says 87 percent of its respondents felt confident they would be able to scrape together $2,000 if an unexpected expense came up in the next month. Those over 65 said they were 100 percent sure they could do it. Both of these answers are in stark contrast to another recent report that said two-thirds of Americans wouldn't be able to pay an unexpected $1,000 bill.
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Wellness plans: the haves and have nots
In a new column, Chairman and CEO of the Global Wellness Institute Susie Ellis takes on the myth of workplace wellness. She points out that while the wellness industry is an economic boon — coming it at $3.4 billion, thanks to the likes of $200 smoothies — it doesn't change the fact that "we live in a world that is only getting less well — more overweight, with more chronic disease." She points to Silicon Valley startups and other major companies with "wellness playgrounds" as part of the problem, because they give us a false understanding of how employees are treated around the country and globe. When we read about enviable wellness programs, we think that these initiatives are commonplace, but that's not true says Ellis. In fact, she says, only 1 in 10 average workers actually has access to a workplace wellness program.
HHS upgrades for health IT
This week, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) offered up an easier way to consume health information. With an upgraded website, purchasers can now get more detailed and clear information regarding health information technology.
Good oral (hygiene) is a turn on
Of course ladies love a great smile, but a new study from Delta Dental shows a man's mouth can be a major deal breaker. Three-quarters of women say good oral health is one of the sexiest qualities in a significant other, with 70 percent saying they won't kiss someone they think has poor oral hygiene. Moral of the story? If you want a date, break out the toothbrushes and invest in some dental insurance.
Coding to blame for high medical bills?
Medical coding is causing problems for providers and patients alike, with one expert saying 30 percent to 40 percent of medical bills contain errors, and Kaiser Health News noting $68 billion in lost health care spending can be attributed to incorrect medical billing. To quell the consequences of inaccurate medical coding, AmeriVeri has introduced a code verification process to promote consistency and improvements.
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