Health benefits seminar on tap this week
Kacy Hibdon, k...@ennisdailynews.com
A seminar is in the works to better inform business owners and human resources professionals about changes to employee health benefits.
Hayden Financial Partners, the Ellis County Personnel Association and the Ennis Chamber of Commerce are teaming up to bring the seminar, “What you don’t know can hurt you!” to the community and the county.
The deadline to register for the event has been extended to noon Wednesday to allow as many people to attend as possible. Gary Hayden of Hayden Financial Partners said he felt the changes are important to be aware of.
“As far as Hayden Financial Partners is concerned, we have about 42 companies that we provide employee benefits for and from my perspective with all of the changes that are coming about due to healthcare reform legislation, it is my intent to keep as many people in the area informed concerning these changes as possible,” Hayden said. “Anybody that has any responsibility at a particular business for the employee benefits realizes that many of these changes can affect the bottom line of that particular business.”
The seminar will feature award-winning speaker Ouida Peterson, vice president of education for Conexis, who is nationally recognized for her expertise on the complex and specialized subjects of COBRA, HIPPA and 125 plans.
“Anybody that has responsibility in the administration of a group health plan needs to be aware of these changes,” Hayden said. “Ten or fifteen years ago these rules weren’t as prominent as they are now. There are more rules and regulations now and the old excuse of ‘I didn’t know that’ or ‘No one told me’ I don’t think is going to help anybody anymore and the fines and penalties can be quite severe.”
Hayden said Peterson is a very sought after speaker and those in attendance at the seminar will likely benefit a great deal from what she has to say.
“Having heard Ouida speak several times in the past, this will be a very informative, dynamic and fast-paced morning,” Hayden said. “I am very confident that everyone that attends will consider it time well spent.”
Hayden said that those interested in attending the seminar could receive continuing education credit for their professional association and stressed the importance of the message to be discussed.
“Long story short: It’s much needed info that affects a lot of people.”
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