Latest news with #AmericanFidelity
Chicago Tribune
26-06-2025
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Porter County culls 35 employee dependents from health insurance because of ineligibility
Thirty-five dependents of Porter County employees will be eliminated from the health plan July 1 after a recent dependent verification process aimed at protecting the county from unqualified expenses and unforeseen liability. The Porter County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously on the removal at its regularly scheduled meeting Tuesday morning, with Commissioners President Jim Biggs, R-North, absent. Representatives from General Insurance Services (GIS) and American Fidelity explained that the process began March 10 with a communication to employees about the upcoming audit. Such audits are done every two years, according to Commissioner Barb Regnitz, R-Center. Aram Touloukian of American Fidelity explained that seven rounds of communication were sent to employees asking for documents verifying eligibility of the dependents in question. Eight did not participate or complete the required documentation, 12 did not have sufficient documentation, and seven are spouses who qualify for health insurance on their own. Touloukian said it costs $4,700 per year for the county to add one dependent to the plan. The removal of the 35 ineligible will save the county not only $150,000 to $160,000 annually, but could also protect the county if someone technically ineligible became a high-cost claimant. The county has a separate insurance stop-loss policy that takes over claims after an individual tops out of the standard plan after $175,000 in claims. If that insurance provider asked for verification of qualification and a claimant failed that qualification the county could be responsible for those medical bills. 'So we have a number of dependents who have hit the stop-loss level?' Regnitz asked. 'Oh, absolutely,' replied Employee Benefits Advisor Candace Arvin of GIS. 'I think that's what we have to protect our plan from happening,' Regnitz said. She confirmed with Arvin and Touloukian that employees may reenroll any qualifying dependents during open enrollment in the fall, should they be among the 35 who failed to supply adequate documentation. In other business, commissioners gave Information Technology Director Lee Childress permission to set up a fund for additional appropriations that would be necessary if the County Council gives its blessing to an additional $400,000 expenditure for the purchase of 250 computers that will be necessary to run Windows 11. Windows 10 will stop receiving security patches in October and the computers purchased in 2007 to run it will not support the new software. The board also unanimously approved a zoning map amendment of the Unified Development Ordinance allowing Heartland Christian Center in Morgan Township to change the zoning of 10.7 acres from low-density single-family residential (R1) to Institutional (I). The property in question is for the development of the future Sunshine Center, planned as a recreational facility for the disabled and their caregivers. 'We're in the process of getting going,' said Heartland Pastor Phil Willingham. Finally, during approval for NWI Activists/NWI NOW to hold their next two 50501 protests on Sunday, June 29, and Thursday, July 17, the petitioners were asked by Regnitz to speak with members of their groups. 'I am getting photos of the event, and some of them are inciting violence,' she said. 'Are you talking about the 86 47 ones?' NWI NOW Director Deb McLeod asked. 'Yes,' she replied. The women explained it is a commonly used restaurant term that means to remove or eject an item, as from a menu, when it has sold out, and that they would not condone violent rhetoric at their events. The term has been under scrutiny since former FBI Director James Comey used the phrase recently. The implication is that he was referring to President Donald Trump. Merriam-Webster Dictionary says the term has taken on its police and military meaning of 'to kill.' 'Did they perceive that in the same way when they were spouting '86 46?'' McLeod asked of those sending complaints to Regnitz. 'We're not going to have another presidential election for a couple years, so to say we'll get rid of 47 now, the implication is violently,' Regnitz insisted.
Associated Press
21-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Research Explores How Manufacturers are Implementing AI in Human Resources
Report Explores the Top AI-Enhanced HR Activities for Manufacturers ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA / ACCESS Newswire / May 21, 2025 / Manufacturers Alliance Foundation in partnership with American Fidelity published " Keeping HR Human in the Age of AI,' exploring where human resource departments are finding balance between department efficiency through advanced technologies while keeping the personalized human touch. 'People remain the key to reinvigorating manufacturing. In this fight for talent, HR leaders are relentlessly pushing for greater efficiency and impact, and AI offers them that advantage,' noted Stephen Gold, President of Manufacturers Alliance Foundation and President & CEO of Manufacturers Alliance. 'Still, our research shows that AI is only complementary - it's the HR leaders' experience and intuition that are key to attracting and keeping the talent to move the sector into its next stage.' The research found that 96% of manufacturers are fully committed or highly interested in adopting AI enhancements, primarily in three priority areas: Many companies today are seeking to find the balance between technology and human touchpoints. American Fidelity Assurance Company's Chief Sales Officer Rafael Garcia shares, 'While we leverage Artificial Intelligence to drive efficiency and precision in our processes, we are deeply committed to keeping the human spirit at the core of our benefits administration functions. The goal is to complement human capabilities, not replace them. This study reaffirms that principle, reminding us that our greatest asset remains our people, even when AI is trending like it is. And that sentiment rings true for manufacturers as well.' About Manufacturers Alliance Foundation Manufacturers Alliance Foundation is the 501(c)(3) partner of Manufacturers Alliance. The Alliance Foundation provides educational opportunities for the manufacturing community and its stakeholders through insights, events, and tools for today's most critical business decisions. The Alliance Foundation focuses on talent, technology, digital transformation, and competitiveness. Learn more about the Alliance Foundation: About Manufacturers Alliance Manufacturers Alliance powers leaders. We bring together an unparalleled network of manufacturing executives to advance their careers, grow their companies, and support the whole community. We accomplish our mission through peer communities, education, and business insights on the topics that matter most to the sector. In our 91st year, we continue to drive the manufacturing community to be smarter, faster, and better. Learn more: About American Fidelity American Fidelity can help extend the reach of your HR team to every employee, supporting a culture where employees feel secure and valued. We can help you leverage your benefits program to empower employees, enrich company culture and improve employee loyalty. For more than 60 years, we've helped organizations elevate their benefits strategy, and we can help yours, too. Visit Contact Information Kristin Graybill VP, Commercial Strategy [email protected] (703) 841-9000 SOURCE: Manufacturers Alliance press release
