<p>ATLANTA, Mar 16, 2012—Health and benefits spend is arguably the No.1 challenge U.S. employers face. As medical costs rise and health care legislation remains in flux, forward-thinking corporations are opting to cut expenses by putting health care decision making into the hands of their employees. On April 12-13, industry thought leaders, HR executives, benefits management professionals, insurance brokers and health plan administrators will gather in Atlanta’s Cobb Galleria Centre to explore the promising future of consumer-directed health care initiatives at <a href="http://theihcc.com" target="_blank">The Institute for HealthCare Consumerism’s </a>(IHC) <a href="http://theihccforum.com" target="_blank">FORUM East conference</a>. Its counterpart, IHC FORUM West, will be held in Las Vegas on Sept. 6-7. <br /> <br /> Now in its third year, the IHC FORUM (formerly CDHC Solutions FORUM) remains the only conference series 100 percent dedicated to innovative health and benefits management. This year’s theme, The Journey to HealthCare Consumerism, focuses on preparing businesses of all sizes to transition smoothly to cost-effective consumer-driven plans while complying with 2010′s controversial <a href="http://http://www.theihccforum.com/2012-forum-east/forum-east-featured-speakers/" target="_blank">Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act </a>(PPACA). </p>
<p> True to the IHC’s tagline, the event offers numerous opportunities to “LEARN, CONNECT and SHARE.” With <a href="http://http://www.theihccforum.com/2012-forum-east/forum-east-workshops/" target="_blank">24 workshops</a>, a <a href="http://http://www.theihccforum.com/2012-forum-east/forum-east-featured-speakers/2012-forum-east-featured-speaker-profiles/" target="_blank">robust speaker line-up</a> and <a href="http://http://www.theihccforum.com/2012-forum-east/forum-east-general-sessions/" target="_blank">five general sessions</a> led by subject matter experts and policymakers, the event pledges to equip attendees with the practical tools needed to successfully navigate the country’s shifting health and benefits landscape. FORUM-goers will also have the chance to glean best practices from peers who have successfully adopted health care consumerism programs, and exchange innovative ideas with professionals from across the entire health and benefits management spectrum.</p>
<p> “Companies today are challenged with reducing health care spend, complying with new health care laws and turning disengaged employees into involved, well-educated consumers. It’s overwhelming,” says Doug Field, IHC founder and CEO. “We’ve lined up top-notch speakers and workshops to give our attendees proven, real-life solutions at a fraction of the cost of other conferences. We’re really excited about this year’s FORUM.” </p>
<p> Conference highlight include</p>
<p> – Health care consumerism experts <a href="http://http://www.theihccforum.com/2012-forum-east/forum-east-featured-speakers/" target="_blank">Ron Bachman, Dr. Wendy Lynch, Roy Ramthun and John Hickman</a><br /> – General sessions on PPACA compliance, employee wellness, HRAs and HSAs<br /> – A chance to <a href="http://http://www.theihccforum.com/2012-forum-east/" target="_blank">earn 8.25 HR Certification Institute credits</a> toward PHR, SPHR and GPHR recertification<br /> – Brand new, nationally recognized <a href="http://http://www.theihccforum.com/2012-forum-east/forum-east-pre-conference/" target="_blank"><b>NAHU certification courses</b></a> <br /> – Intimate roundtable sharing sessions with peers and industry thought leaders</p>
<p> – Innovation Showcase to highlight products that companies can use to save money today</p>
<p> To learn more about the FORUM, visit www.theihccforum.com or tune in to <a href="http://http://healthcareconsumerismradio.businessradiox.com/" target="_blank">Health Care Consumerism Radio</a>.</p>
<p> <a href="http://http://www.theihccforum.com/about-the-forum/" target="_blank"><b>About the IHC FORUM</b></a><br /> The Institute for HealthCare Consumerism’s FORUM East and FORUM West are the only national events 100 percent dedicated to innovative health and benefits management. Through 24 cutting-edge workshops, five general sessions and numerous networking opportunities, attendees get relevant insights from industry thought leaders and policymakers on how to cut costs, engage employees and comply with current healthcare laws. The FORUM allows HR professionals, brokers, consultants and health plan administrators to share leading practices, exchange ideas and arrive at real, implementable solutions.</p>
<p> Contact:<br /> Rochelle Porter<br /> <a href="http://theihcc.com" target="_blank">The Institute for HealthCare Consumerism </a>404.671.9551 <br /> rochelle@kenotype.com</p>
<p> </p>
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