The end of another year brings about resolutions. We compile a list of items that seem like a good idea to commit to at the beginning of another year, yet not necessarily something we hold ourselves accountable to as the year comes to a close.

Some of the top items people have on their list have to do with their health. Isn’t there some saying about "treating your body as if it were a temple" and "you are what you eat" or "you only have one body so take care of it"? However, people still have a hard time realizing that they aren’t doing any of these things, so in turn they find themselves paying for their neglect in the form of health care dollars.

This year should be the year that you will make that commitment to yourself and maybe the well being of those around you. Don’t we owe it to ourselves to be more accountable for our health and the care and treatment we provide ourselves with.

Health Reimbursement Arrangement – If your employer provides this plan, more than likely you can be reimbursed for some of your out-of-pocket medical expenses. What you are reimbursed for is tax free to you and tax deductible for your employer, so you both have a tax favored advantage. Check with your employer and if they do not have this available, maybe it is something to consider, by implementing this it often time can result in lower health insurance premium payments whether a group or individual plan.

Flexible Spending Account – It’s a benefit plan that allows employees to set aside a portion of their pretax earning to pay for qualified expenses such as doctor visits, co-pays and prescriptions. This benefit option allows for a substantial tax advantage since contributions are made prior to an employee’s paycheck being taxed. If you have not participated in this program, you should. It can save you about 25 cents for every dollar you spend for non-insured medical and even dependent care expenses.

Health Care Premium Reimbursement – If you are purchasing your own health care due to the fact that your employer is unable to provide health insurance through a group program, check to see if your employer has implemented an HCPR plan. This will allow you to run your premiums through payroll pre-tax.

Businesses and employees feel the crunch, but we can all resolve to make better health care choices. If you are not using a benefit plan mentioned above, see your benefits coordinator to get signed up for 2010. If your employer is not offering any of the above benefits, you may want to mention that it would be beneficial to you both to get one started right away.

There is a reason employers give their workers "benefits." From free parking to health insurance, the goal is to make employees happier. That way, employees stay with the company and are more productive. By healthcare being so expensive it’s best to join with the millions of Americans who are taking advantage of creative ways to cut health care costs.

So with the New Year, I challenge you to take a look at the benefits you are currently being offered. Your company won’t thrive without healthy employees, so resolve to take care of yourself in 2010. Most importantly stay healthy and wealthy by using a few simple cost-cutting measures to provide relief for healthcare expenses – because until you hold yourself accountable, nothing will change!

Anne Case                                                                                             BASE - Marketing 

Happy Holidays! In addition to closing out 2009, at our house it marks the journey to the end of football season, time for report cards to be sent home, and last but not least another deer hunting season under our belts. This year my 7-year-old son Carter joined a group of middle-aged men on their quest for a big buck. The group was not as successful as years past, but certainly enjoyed bonding and being outside for several days together as a team. Carter did not get a deer, but has now begun a tradition that his dad, grandfather, and great-grandfather treasure. As a mom I could’ve chosen to be extremely nervous about his new adventure or chose to encourage him and share in his excitement. I decided to be the cheerleader for him (after a long talk with dad about safety, man-language, etc) and have found a sense of pride in carrying on a strong family tradition. I know hunting requires patience and that’s one skill my son could improve on. I’m proud to say he was very patient during his hunting days, sometimes sitting for hours quietly without moving in anticipation of a glimpse at a deer. He didn’t complain during the long and tiresome drives or falter in the deep snow. After it was all over, he thanked the men he hunted with for letting him be part of the group, even giving them a strong handshake. All in all, a good start to a sport he can participate in for many years to come.

As I reflect back on his journey, my head is held high – as a parent sometimes we question if we’re doing okay. I don’t get a report card at the end of the year, there’s no championship trophy for moms, but there is that moment when you realize you must be doing something right. When I saw him thank the guys for including him and when he shook their outstretched hands and looked them straight in the eye, my eyes welled up. I think I’m doing okay.

With the new year around the corner it’s a reminder to continue teaching my kids about how to treat others. Here at BASE, we take pride in treating others with care and respect. When you call us, our benefit specialists answer the phone with a sincere greeting and when they end the call they ask if there is anything else they can help you with. And they mean it. Today as I listen to others around me, I hear holiday greetings being shared and well wishes for a happy new year. Our mission here is to treat our customers the best possible way – and we are doing just that. We wish you a healthy and safe holiday season and hope to hear from you soon.