How’s Health Care Affecting Your Business?
Thursday April 1, 2010 | Filed under:
No matter what you think of recent health care legislation, there's no question it's raised a number of key issues for businesses. Here at ASI, we held an all-company meeting recently to explain particulars of our health care plan's annual renewal for our staff. How is your business responding?
In our own industry, we've posted an online poll on the right side of asicentral.com asking if you're concerned that the new health care bill will further limit your ability to sell items to pharma companies and medical device manufacturers. So far, 54% say "yes."
These and other issues critical to our industry even prompted ASI senior vice president Dale Denham to travel to Washington, D.C. with 30 other ad specialty professionals to lobby Congress. Along with health care, the group discussed recent legislation limiting the number of reporting exceptions granted to drug and medical device companies regarding payments and gifts to doctors.
Companies must now report any gifts or payments made to doctors that are individually worth more than $10 or collectively worth more than $100 in one year. Further, starting in 2013, all payment disclosures will appear on a public website.
Dale says one of the most important take-backs for him is the importance of letting representatives know how you feel about any and all legislation impacting our industry. He suggests you write, call or -- better yet -- visit their office in person. Find your senator here.
This week, Congress adjourned for its two-week Easter recess, which means many of your representatives are in their home district. Drop by their office and let them know your thoughts.
How is your company responding to the health care legislation? Let me know by posting a comment or emailing me here. I'm also on Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.