ROCHESTER, N.Y., March 23, 2010 – Healthcare costs have increased 150 percent in the past eight years,* and according to the most recent reports from the Department of Labor, private employers now pay more than $8.00 an hour—per employee—for benefits. That number is expected to increase dramatically—by double digits—in the coming year.

"This has become an unsustainable model for businesses," said Linda Becker, President and CEO of Healthcare Benefits Network. "Companies continue to shift more of the cost of healthcare benefits to employees, and it's simply becoming unaffordable for too many Americans."

Businesses need guidance to navigate the complexities of healthcare and benefits and now healthcare reform, but where do you begin?

Healthcare Benefits Network is a team of unbiased benefits, human resources, and senior leaders, who have all come together to provide advice for employers and healthcare providers.

Healthcare Benefits Network consultants specialize in two areas. They work with employers to improve overall employee wellness while reducing the costs of employer-sponsored health and retirement plans. They also work with providers, such as hospitals and physicians, to improve quality practices and increase efficiencies.

Both teams of consultants are now available through a radically new, economical approach to healthcare consultancy. They can be engaged on the phone, through the Web, or in person. Employers can have access to one consultant or a team of consultants depending on their needs.

Many mid-size businesses have the same needs as large enterprises but many do not have the internal expertise or the budget to hire experienced staff. Now there is an efficient and cost effective way to get the advice that CEOs, CFOs and HR professionals need.

"Healthcare is one of the fastest growing segments of Rochester's economy," said Mark S. Peterson, President and CEO of Greater Rochester Enterprise. "Healthcare Benefits Network's ability to help employers and providers lower the cost of healthcare is critical to the sustainability of this important industry sector in our region."

Healthcare Benefits Network is headquartered in Rochester. Locally, nine consultants are members of the network, and the marketing and sales staff is expected to grow to eight employees over the next few months.

"Healthcare and benefit planning shouldn't be the core focus for a business owner," concluded Becker. "Our consultants have the experience to help remove the confusion, headaches, wasted time and resource expense for anyone trying to do this alone."

About Healthcare Benefits Network

Healthcare Benefits Network is a team of unbiased, experienced advisors specializing in two areas; working with employers to reduce the costs their employer-sponsored health and retirement plans, and working with hospitals and physicians to improve quality practices and increase efficiencies. For more information about the company, visit www.healthcarebenefitsnetwork.com.

‹ Back to Press Room