"Carriers often 'rate up' or surcharge white-collar professions," Edholmexplains, "because they assume such employees will overuse the benefits inthe plan." Thus, premiums for law firms may be higher than those for otherindustries.

But Edholm's experience suggests that creative strategies for structuringlaw firms' healthcare plans can prevent such discrimination to the benefitof both law firm partners and their employees. Properly structured planscan lower health plan costs by 3% - 13%, without cutting benefits andwithout necessarily changing carriers.

Properly structured plans can also literally "put cash in employees'hands," thus helping reduce turnover, as well as enhance the tax picture ofpartners and/or LLC owners, he says.

"Not every firm can achieve every benefit," says Edholm, "but in 14 of 17recent designs or renewals, our firm has helped law firm owners achieve atleast one of these results."

Free Report Shows Mass. Lawyers How to Cut Costs

BBI has developed three "creatively strategic" approaches to Massachusettshealth plan design and is now offering, for a limited time, a free reportoutlining these strategies, including how they can help both employer andemployees.

"How Attorneys Can Lower Healthcare Costs, Maintain Benefits and Put Cashin Employees' and Partners' Hands" is available upon request by phoningtoll-free to 866-967-5123 x121, faxing complete contact information to978-474-4379 or visitingwww.Group-Insurance-Guide.com/attorney-health-savings.html

Contact:Ken Lizotte978-371-0442Email Contact