Fitch reaffirms AA+ rating for CPS Energy bonds
Fitch Ratings has confirmed its AA+ rating for San Antonio&rsquo;s electric and gas systems revenue bonds, Series 2008A, issued on behalf of CPS Energy. <p><a href="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~a/bizj_sanantonio?a=DS2pRu"><img src="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~a/bizj_sanantonio?i=DS2pRu" border="0"></img></a></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~f/bizj_sanantonio?a=jJ5pO"><img src="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~f/bizj_sanantonio?i=jJ5pO" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~f/bizj_sanantonio?a=AgOho"><img src="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~f/bizj_sanantonio?i=AgOho" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~f/bizj_sanantonio?a=9fmdo"><img src="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~f/bizj_sanantonio?i=9fmdo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~f/bizj_sanantonio?a=ETRBO"><img src="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~f/bizj_sanantonio?i=ETRBO" border="0"></img></a> </div>
WellNet unveils Alamo City office
Bethesda, MD-based WellNet Healthcare has opened an office in San Antonio as part of its plans to expand its reach in the Southwest. <p><a href="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~a/bizj_sanantonio?a=EhcFxL"><img src="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~a/bizj_sanantonio?i=EhcFxL" border="0"></img></a></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~f/bizj_sanantonio?a=ccwsO"><img src="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~f/bizj_sanantonio?i=ccwsO" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~f/bizj_sanantonio?a=5rnco"><img src="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~f/bizj_sanantonio?i=5rnco" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~f/bizj_sanantonio?a=4v7Uo"><img src="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~f/bizj_sanantonio?i=4v7Uo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~f/bizj_sanantonio?a=5dnJO"><img src="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~f/bizj_sanantonio?i=5dnJO" border="0"></img></a> </div>
Skanska USA wins merit award
Skanska USA Building Inc.&rsquo;s San Antonio office has been honored for its work on the Bell County Jail project by the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) of South Texas. <p><a href="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~a/bizj_sanantonio?a=XGERo2"><img src="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~a/bizj_sanantonio?i=XGERo2" border="0"></img></a></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~f/bizj_sanantonio?a=zI0nO"><img src="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~f/bizj_sanantonio?i=zI0nO" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~f/bizj_sanantonio?a=zh94o"><img src="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~f/bizj_sanantonio?i=zh94o" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~f/bizj_sanantonio?a=RbZoo"><img src="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~f/bizj_sanantonio?i=RbZoo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~f/bizj_sanantonio?a=0d5pO"><img src="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~f/bizj_sanantonio?i=0d5pO" border="0"></img></a> </div>
U.S. in recession since December 2007
The U.S. economy has been in a recession for all of 2008, according to the National Bureau of Economic Research. <p><a href="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~a/bizj_sanantonio?a=1EuLMS"><img src="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~a/bizj_sanantonio?i=1EuLMS" border="0"></img></a></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~f/bizj_sanantonio?a=5BRMO"><img src="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~f/bizj_sanantonio?i=5BRMO" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~f/bizj_sanantonio?a=yDqIo"><img src="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~f/bizj_sanantonio?i=yDqIo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~f/bizj_sanantonio?a=xKo2o"><img src="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~f/bizj_sanantonio?i=xKo2o" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~f/bizj_sanantonio?a=AtsKO"><img src="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~f/bizj_sanantonio?i=AtsKO" border="0"></img></a> </div>
Diabetes expert to speak at presidential lecture series
Leading diabetes expert Dr. C. Ronald Kahn will speak Tuesday, Dec. 2, at the 7th Annual Presidential Distinguished Lecture series at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. <p><a href="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~a/bizj_sanantonio?a=2Bwofd"><img src="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~a/bizj_sanantonio?i=2Bwofd" border="0"></img></a></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~f/bizj_sanantonio?a=zS0JO"><img src="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~f/bizj_sanantonio?i=zS0JO" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~f/bizj_sanantonio?a=FiFGo"><img src="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~f/bizj_sanantonio?i=FiFGo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~f/bizj_sanantonio?a=3EI3o"><img src="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~f/bizj_sanantonio?i=3EI3o" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~f/bizj_sanantonio?a=YxdNO"><img src="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~f/bizj_sanantonio?i=YxdNO" border="0"></img></a> </div>
PUC sets interest rates for overbilling
The Public Utility Commission of Texas has established what interest rates should apply when reimbursing utility customers after they&rsquo;ve been overbilled. <p><a href="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~a/bizj_sanantonio?a=CuFW3F"><img src="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~a/bizj_sanantonio?i=CuFW3F" border="0"></img></a></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~f/bizj_sanantonio?a=MPzLO"><img src="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~f/bizj_sanantonio?i=MPzLO" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~f/bizj_sanantonio?a=K485o"><img src="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~f/bizj_sanantonio?i=K485o" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~f/bizj_sanantonio?a=Gic6o"><img src="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~f/bizj_sanantonio?i=Gic6o" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~f/bizj_sanantonio?a=9ID5O"><img src="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~f/bizj_sanantonio?i=9ID5O" border="0"></img></a> </div>
TWC announces unemployment benefit extention
Unemployment Insurance benefits have been extended for seven weeks, the Texas Workforce Commission has announced. President Bush recently signed legislation providing up to seven weeks of emergency unemployment benefits to workers who have exhausted their benefits and are still unemployed. The extended benefits are federally funded and employers will not be charged for any claims paid on this extension, the TWC says. <p><a href="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~a/bizj_sanantonio?a=9Cf4t3"><img src="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~a/bizj_sanantonio?i=9Cf4t3" border="0"></img></a></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~f/bizj_sanantonio?a=V9xmO"><img src="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~f/bizj_sanantonio?i=V9xmO" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~f/bizj_sanantonio?a=y6cvo"><img src="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~f/bizj_sanantonio?i=y6cvo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~f/bizj_sanantonio?a=2yLjo"><img src="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~f/bizj_sanantonio?i=2yLjo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~f/bizj_sanantonio?a=aFdfO"><img src="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~f/bizj_sanantonio?i=aFdfO" border="0"></img></a> </div>
General Growth secures two-week loan extension
General Growth Properties Inc., the owner of two major shopping centers in San Antonio, has reached an agreement with its syndicate of lenders for a two-week extension on mortgage loans totaling $900 million. (GGP) <p><a href="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~a/bizj_sanantonio?a=F6k6X4"><img src="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~a/bizj_sanantonio?i=F6k6X4" border="0"></img></a></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~f/bizj_sanantonio?a=yY57O"><img src="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~f/bizj_sanantonio?i=yY57O" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~f/bizj_sanantonio?a=afxXo"><img src="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~f/bizj_sanantonio?i=afxXo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~f/bizj_sanantonio?a=neqLo"><img src="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~f/bizj_sanantonio?i=neqLo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~f/bizj_sanantonio?a=9yw5O"><img src="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~f/bizj_sanantonio?i=9yw5O" border="0"></img></a> </div>
Digital Defense unveils new info-security program
Digital Defense has introduced a new program that will help companies test the security of information systems of possible acquisition targets before finalizing the deal. <p><a href="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~a/bizj_sanantonio?a=OkPRKc"><img src="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~a/bizj_sanantonio?i=OkPRKc" border="0"></img></a></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~f/bizj_sanantonio?a=cwa3O"><img src="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~f/bizj_sanantonio?i=cwa3O" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~f/bizj_sanantonio?a=AHqOo"><img src="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~f/bizj_sanantonio?i=AHqOo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~f/bizj_sanantonio?a=mew1o"><img src="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~f/bizj_sanantonio?i=mew1o" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~f/bizj_sanantonio?a=0PaVO"><img src="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~f/bizj_sanantonio?i=0PaVO" border="0"></img></a> </div>
Sunrise Solar expands footprint into Asia
Sunrise Solar Corp. has opened its first permanent international office in Beijing, China, which it will use to pursue solar energy projects throughout Asia. (FSLR) (KYO) <p><a href="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~a/bizj_sanantonio?a=iHUV4W"><img src="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~a/bizj_sanantonio?i=iHUV4W" border="0"></img></a></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~f/bizj_sanantonio?a=xoZIO"><img src="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~f/bizj_sanantonio?i=xoZIO" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~f/bizj_sanantonio?a=MXB5o"><img src="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~f/bizj_sanantonio?i=MXB5o" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~f/bizj_sanantonio?a=R5cVo"><img src="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~f/bizj_sanantonio?i=R5cVo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~f/bizj_sanantonio?a=NFbEO"><img src="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~f/bizj_sanantonio?i=NFbEO" border="0"></img></a> </div>


at discounted retail rates. Discount cards offer:

Access: Individuals and families without can use discount programs to receive access to and substantial savings on health care services such as doctor visits, hospitalization, prescription drugs, eyeglasses and dental care that they might otherwise not afford.

Affordability: While rates have increased at double-digit rates over the past 12 years, discount card providers have kept their rates virtually unchanged.

Savings: Those with limited insurance, the under-insured, and insured individuals with high deductibles can reduce out-of-pocket expenses and receive discounts for services not normally covered by such as chiropractic care.

Choice: In some cases, consumers with discount health cards pay less for services such as dental and vision care than those covered by traditional plans.

Convenience: Discount programs are accepted at some of the nation's largest healthcare retailers including national pharmacy and optical chains. While each program varies, many companies offer programs with providers that include:

* Pearle * LensCrafters * Medicine Shoppe

* Eckerd's * Safeway * Wal-Mart

* Sears * Target, and many more!

What types of services are typically included by discount health cards? Discount health cards include a wide range of services and products including dental services, prescription drugs, vision care, chiropractic procedures, hearing care, physician/hospital & ancillary services, nurse medical information lines, vitamins and emergency care for travelers. Choose a program that offers discounts on services that you need and that you will use.

Who should use discount health cards? The wide array of choices in the discount health card industry and the many discounts available make it possible for everyone to enjoy the benefits of discount health cards. Discount health cards are designed to provide benefits for a wide-range of consumers. For individuals and families without insurance, discount health cards offer substantial savings on healthcare services such as doctor visits and on everyday health related expenses including prescription drugs, eyeglasses and dental care that they might otherwise not afford.

For those with limited insurance, the under-insured, and insured individuals with high deductibles, discount health cards can reduce out-of-pocket expenses and offer discounts for services that may not be covered by such as chiropractic care.

In some instances, discount health cards for ancillary health services and products such as vision, dental and chiropractic care offer services at overall out-of-pocket costs lower than co-payments.

For these reasons, many of the country's Fortune 500 companies now offer discount health cards to their employees as part of their benefits packages.

How do consumers get discount health cards and how do the cards work? You can obtain discount health cards either through your employer, an association, union, or another entity with which you are connected or you can go directly through a reputable discount healthcare program.

Signing up for a card is easy. Complete an application and pay a nominal monthly fee. In some instances, your employer will pay the fee. To access care and receive savings, a cardholder must simply provide the card to a participating provider at the time health services are rendered and pay the discounted fee.

How do discount healthcare programs offer such benefits? Discount healthcare programs enable members to access similar rates that healthcare providers charge wholesale customers such as preferred provider networks (PPO) or large plans. The difference is that instead of financing the medical expenses of members by charging high monthly rates, consumers agree to pay a discounted fee to the provider directly at the time of service.

What is the difference between discount health cards and health insurance? Discount health cards are not insurance. Card companies who indicate otherwise are not being truthful. Unlike health insurance, there is no sharing of risk by the consumer and the discount healthcare company.

Discount health cards afford consumers the opportunity to directly purchase health care services and products from providers at amounts discounted below their retail rates. Cardholders are required to pay the provider's discounted fees in full at the time healthcare services are rendered or as dictated by the provider's agreement. Consumers are free to make their own choices about which services to purchase and from whom to make those purchases.

Insurance plans, on the other hand, define specific benefits available to the consumer at rates determined by the plan purchaser. plans also pay health care providers on behalf of the consumer.

Do I still need if I have a discount health card? That's a decision each consumer must make. Discount cards and plans frequently provide complementary benefits. That is why many of the nation's leading companies offer their employees both plans and discount cards. Each individual should evaluate his or her own health needs and the various benefits offered by each type of program.

Why has there been controversy surrounding some discount health card providers? Millions of consumers have embraced discount health cards because of their value and simplicity. This popularity has led a number of companies to enter the discount health card business. Unfortunately, not all of them are reputable. Some card providers charge steep up-front fees or promise dramatic savings they can't deliver, while others bombard consumers with misleading and confusing sale pitches.

Article Source: Articles Beyond Better

Alan Masters is the President and CEO of Benefit Masters based out of South Lake Tahoe, CA.800-795-6823 Toll Free 530-318-6971 Cell www.AlanMasters.com WebsiteAlanMasters@Ameriplan.net email

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