As the number of confirmed cases grow, the government is also learning more about the outbreak.  Although most cases seem to be mild, it still has the potential to be a major threat.  Please continue to follow the suggested precautions and limit your contact with individuals that may be showing any symptoms.

MAH  experienced a 42% increase in Workers Comp claims in
2008.  We are not off to a good start in 2009.  Needle Sticks was the number one claim in 2008 and continues to be an issue in 2009.

Recapping of needles should be limited and safety devices must be used.  The BenCo catalogue has
a couple of different items that can be used.

Safety gloves should be used in the sterilization process of instruments.
Protect yourself.  Think Safety!!

With the second nice weekend in a row, most people will be finding themselves out in the yard or in the park.  It has been a long winter and we must be careful not to over do it.  Just like baseball you have to have spring training and get ready for the season.  The same can hold true for us weekend yard warriors or athletes.   Don’t forget to stretch those muscles,  lift with the legs and not the back.   Work yourself into shape and be ready to play all summer.

Don’t forget spring is also time for motorcycles.  Be aware one of them could be me.

Kim Mosby
Director of Human Resources

With the 2009 Daytona 500 in the books, spring cannot be far off. Next comes Mardi gras, St Pat’s day, and tax day. The Daytona 500 was rain shorten so I am feeling a little cheated this Monday morning. Although the race went 400 of the 500 miles the last 50 miles is always the most exciting. It’s on to CA no offense to our CA folks, but CA is for surfing, hiking, wine tasting and movie stars not NASCAR racing. At least they should not have rain, “it never rains in Southern CA.”
Spring or mid-winter is a good time to check on your credit health. Your are entitled to a free copy of your credit report each year. It is a good idea to verify your current accounts and make sure there is no unauthorized activity. We at MAH are taking steps to ensure your information is secure but you should also monitor your credit reports. The Federal Trade Commission has complete information on their web site www. FTC.gov

What a weekend!! The Ground Hog predicted 6 more weeks but could have fooled me. The weather was so pleasant I had to get the old Harley out for a ride. Along with the spring fever comes tax time. Everyone should have received their W2 by this date. If you have not received it contact us so that we can research the issue. This is also a good time to verify your exemptions and make sure your withholdings are correct. No one likes to find out they owe a lot of taxes at the end of the year. Those with spouse’s that work or may have a second income should be aware of the tax issues of the added income. Sometimes you can find yourself under reporting. If you are unsure consult a tax advisor.
One of the things we did to help keep the cost of benefits down was to move to a new administrator for the dental program. We are no longer using Delta Dental but under Guardian. One new item Guardian has brought to the table is a website each employee can use to track payments and get benefit information. I would suggest that everyone log in and set up a user name. Simply go to www.GuardianAnytime.com and select self register and follow the instructions.

Monday February 2, 2009

The report out of PA is that we will have six more weeks of winter.  We can only hope that the economy would have the same fate.  Mid America Health Inc, has weathered the economic winter so far and working to position ourselves for the coming year.  Government contracting and the prison industry has traditionally been recession proof but in these economic times normalcy doesn’t seem to be standing true.  We are fortunate that we have not had any layoffs, cutbacks in services or benefits to our employees.  We were very fortunate to be able to renew or health benefit policy with a very small increase, (at a time when national average is 3%) of which the company chose not to pass on to the employees.  We would ask for all employees to help in keeping health cost down in the coming year.  One way you as employee can help is to make the choice to live a healthier lifestyle.  Our employee assistance program (EAP) can provide you with excellent information on healthy living. You may reach them at 800-822-4847 or on the web at www.lifeserviceseap.com.

Happy Ground Hog Day!!!