Typically employers do not require employees to submit documents to confirm the eligibility of dependents – many currently use the honor system, entrusting that employees aren’t out the cheat their employers. However, times are tough and employers are viewing these dependent eligibility audits as an easy way to cut cost without laying off employers or decreasing health benefits.

So how do the audits typically work? Medical Business Associates, Inc. conducts electronic audits using a secure sever and email communication. Typically, there is an amnesty period for employees to drop dependents without penalty. Then employers receive information about required documents for each dependent. Employees then upload, mail or fax the required information to keep their dependents on the plan.

According to a CNN article, removing ineligible dependents could save companies between 4% to 6% of their annual healthcare costs. With Medical Business Associates, Inc. electronic solution, all required documents are stored, so if a company decides to conduct a follow up audit, employees will not be required to submit duplicate birth or marriage certificates if dependents status hasn’t changed.

For more information on MBA’s audit solution visit here.

See article for more information.

With the increasingly high costs of prescription medications, many people are turning to the Internet to fill their prescriptions. Internet pharmacies are a hot bed for counterfeit drugs. However, don’t assume you’re safe if you purchase from a brick and mortar pharmacy – counterfeit drugs can make their way into the supply chain anywhere.

Counterfeit drugs are currently a $28 million industry. Don’t let yourself be a victim. Below are some tips that will help.

1. If you take a medication for a chronic condition – save the packaging from the month before and compare the bottle, packaging or the pill itself.

2. If you only receive the pill in a generic bottle compare a picture of the tablet at www.fda.gov by simply searching for the medication.

3. If you are taking a medication and it just doesn’t feel the same or is not working like it normally does, see your doctor and show the medication to your pharmacist.

4. If the medication is deemed counterfeit, save a sample until you see your doctor to make sure there will be no long term complications or side effects.

The next round of the competition, taking place September 24th at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, includes a 5-minute pitch followed by a short question and answer session.

Grand prize is $30,000 in grant money. Good luck Rebecca Busch and Medical Business Associates!

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