News from NYCON

Just Like the Tournament, the Camp Finance Discount is Almost Over! Register Before April 7th to Save...  Register Today  Are you still feeling the March Madness? The Camp Finance Team at NYCON still is... and we want to make sure the people who are "mad" about Camp Finance can save on their early registration. From now through the end of the  "Final Four" (April 7th) you can get a $50 discount on paid Full Conference registration for Camp Finance. Just click here and enter discount code"MarchMadness" to get $50 off of your paid Full Conference registration (Sorry, no discount applies to Day Trip Registration Rates.)    Looking forward to seeing you on the mountain!  Please note: This discount offer applies to Credit Card Online or Pay By Phone Orders Only. If you prefer to have our Staff take your payment and registration via phone please contact Amber Vanderwarker at 1 (800) 515-5012 ext. 126.    We've Got ANI!  Welcome our Newest Conference Sponsor ANI is an insurance company governed by nonprofits themselves.  ANI is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit that is governed by other 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofits. They aren't just a "program" of an insurance company that specializes in nonprofits. Insuring nonprofits is their entire mission.

Explore Employee Benefits that You Can Afford! Spotlight on our Affordable Dental Program for Employees, Volunteers & Board Members April 11th, 2013 10am We know that the Employe Benefits "Market" can becomplicated.  Our job is to help make that world more simple, and affordable for nonprofits. To help you understand each type of benefit, it's coverage features and it's costs we are rolling out a series of short 30-minute webinar spotlights on our administered programs: Health Insurance,Flexible Spending Accounts and our Vision Program - which is new for 2013! Up next... 4/11/2013  [Benefit Spotlight Webinar] Dental Insurance Plans & Administration through NYCON  Stay tuned for Flexible Spending Account &  Life Insurance Webinars...

DoGoodBuyUs! [Corporate Member Spotlight] Thursday, April 11, 2013 from 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM (EDT) Online - Call And Login Information Will Be Sent To You 24-48 Hours In Advance Of This Workshop REGISTER NOW

At DoGoodBuyUs (http://www.dogoodbuy.us) they believe    consumerism can change the world so, they created the largest marketplace of charity made products.  With each purchase, 50%+ proceedsare dedicated to fighting poverty, hunger, disease, environmental degradation and other life-threatening ills around the globe! As nonprofits around the country look for ways to bolster their fundraising, 100's have turned to DoGoodBuyUs as a way to bridge the gap between causes and the consumer market. DoGoodBuyUs works with nonprofits around the world, helping them sell the products they (and now we) have created. DoGoodBuyUs is the newest Corproate Member* of NYCON. On this spotlight webinar you will learn:   Why products have become a successful part of many nonprofits revenue generation strategy How to get started, what the process is like, services offered and more.. The long term benefits Join us on April 11th at 2pm for a quick 30 minute overview on just how DoGoodBuyUs can Do Good by your nonprofit & community. *Please note that this company is NOT a NYCON Endorsed Corporate Partner.

REGISTER NOW

Building a Powerful Grants Calendar [Lunch & Learn Webinar] Presented by Cynthia Adams, Founder, Grantstaion.com Friday, April 12, 2013 from 10:00 AM to 11:15 AM (EDT) Call And Login Information Will Be Sent To You 24-48 Hours In Advance Of This Workshop Register Now

This webinar will take participants through the process of establishing a grants calendar for the next 12 to 18 months. Fast-paced, and filled with action steps, Cynthia Adams will discuss how to design and adopt a Grant Decision Matrix before beginning the process of building a specific grants strategy for each project. All participants will also receive a set of worksheets that they can use to create their own approach to building grants calendars and grants strategies for their organizations. This webinar is for beginning, intermediate and advanced grantwriters.

Register Now

NYCON Membership Benefits Orientation [Webinar] Good for Prospective, New & Returning Members! April 18th, May 17th or June 14th - Your Choice Register Now

In our "Get to Know Us" Sessions, NYCON staff will tell you a lot more about our membership benefits - and answer all the questions you have regarding our process, costs and what you get for FREE.  We will be talking about these benefits. Nonprofit Training, Education and Professional Assistance NYCON empowers our members with the best practices, policies, and procedures as well as information on ever-changing regulations, funding, accountability and more.   Cost Savings Solutions for Nonprofits NYCON leverages the purchasing power of thousands of nonprofits to bring you economies of scale on everything from Office Supplies to Fundraising Software.   The Nonprofit Voice in New York State NYCON represents our members on the local, state and national level, giving voice to small and medium sized nonprofits everywhere.   Register Now

Creating a Strategic Culture: Going Beyond Planning [Lunch & Learn Webinar] Presented by Susan Weinrich, VP of Organizational Develoment Services, NYCON Friday, April 19, 2013 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM (EDT) Call And Login Information Will Be Sent Via Email Register Now Developing a strategic plan is an important component of organizational success; developing strategic thinkingthroughout the organization, however, is what enables an organization to make timely and effective decisions before, during, and after the establishment of a strategic plan. This session will provide guidance and offer suggestions on how you can leverage the impact of your strategic plan (if you have one) and build a culture where Board and staff leadership look forward rather than backward and seize opportunities rather than manage crisis. Learn how to improve your organizational decision making and move forward with shared purpose, commitment, and vision.

Register Now

NYCON Brings You Upcoming Webinars, News & Nonprofit Notes

Expand Your Employee (and Volunteer) Benefits Packages at an Affordable PriceGive employees and volunteers what they want with the NYCON Visioncare Plan through Humana! We know that the Employe Benefits "Market" can be complicated.  Our job is to help make that world more simple, and affordable for nonprofits. To help you understand each type of benefit, it's coverage features and it's costs we are rolling out a series of short 30-minute webinar spotlights on our administered programs: Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts and our Vision Program - which is new for 2013!  [Thursday!] 3/21/2013 [Benefit Spotlight Webinar] Vision Insurance    4/11/2013  [Benefit Spotlight Webinar] Dental Insurance Plans & Administration through NYCON  Stay tuned for our Flexible Spending Account & Life Insurance Webinars in the Spring....

Upcoming NYCON Membership Orientation    Great information for new and returning members!

3/22/2013 [Please note the date change] Membership Benefits Orientation [Webinar]  In our "Get to Know Us" Sessions, NYCON staff will tell you a lot more about our membership benefits - and answer all the questions you have regarding our process, costs and what you get for FREE.      We will be talking about these benefits. Nonprofit Training, Education and Professional Assistance NYCON empowers our members with the best practices, policies, and procedures as well as information on ever-changing regulations, funding, accountability and more. Cost Savings Solutions for Nonprofits NYCON leverages the purchasing power of thousands of nonprofits to bring you economies of scale on everything from Office Supplies to Fundraising Software. The Nonprofit Voice in New York State NYCON represents our members on the local, state and national level, giving voice to small and medium sized nonprofits everywhere.

Nonprofit Audits in a Nutshell   [Free Members Only Webinar] March 28th, 2013    3:30pm to 4:30pm  Register Today!   Like yours, many nonprofit organizations often find themselves   wondering... Do we need to have an independent audit? (And what does that entail anyway?) Are there special rules for us because we receive government grants? How can we prepare so that the process goes smoothly?    What's the board's role? To answer these questions and more, the New York Council of Nonprofits (NYCON) is excited to bring you Nonprofit Audits in a Nutshell, a free webinar on March 28th at 3:30pm Eastern, hosted by our national network, the National Council of Nonprofits. This webinar features practical tips from nonprofits about their audit practices, as well as experts from BoardSource and Raffa and is designed to give you background on everything you need to know about the independent audit process (from legal requirements to practical advice).     Thanks to the support of First Nonprofit Foundation, this exclusive webinar is available, free of charge, to all members of NYCON Don't miss this opportunity - Register Today! Free and Open to Current NYCON Members Only (click here to renew your membership for 2013 before registering.)

[Corporate Member Spotlight] DoGoodBuyUs Webinar April 11th, 2013  2:00pm to 2:30pm Register Now As nonprofits around the country look for ways to bolster their fundraising, hundreds of organizations have turned toDoGoodBuyUs as a way to bridge the gap between causes and the consumer market.DoGoodBuyUs works with nonprofits around the world, helping them sell the products they (and now they) have created. AtDoGoodBuyUs (http://www.dogoodbuy.us) they believe consumerism can change the world so, they created the largest marketplace of charity made products. Now anyone can "do good" just by buying beautiful, often handmade items that support the worthiest causes. From tea to t-shirts, from rain boots to coffee, from jewelry to soaps, the list of amazing products go on. DoGoodBuyUs is the newest Corproate Member* of NYCON. On this spotlight webinar you will learn:  Why products have become a successful part of many NPO's strategy How to get started, what the process is like, services offered and more.. The long term benefits Join us on April 11th at 2pm for a quick 30 minute overview on just how DoGoodBuyUs can Do Good by your nonprofit & community. *Please note that this company is not a NYCON Endorsed Corporate Partner.

Building a Powerful Grants Calender! [Lunch & Learn Webinar]  Presented by Cynthia Adams, Founder, Grantstation.com April 12th, 2013 Free for current NYCON Members  $50 for Non-members  Register Now This webinar will take participants through the processof establishing a grants calendar for the next 12 to 18 months. Fast-paced, and filled with action steps, Cynthia Adams will discuss how to design and adopt a Grant Decision Matrix before beginning the process of building a specific grants strategy for each project. All participants will also receive a set of worksheets that they can use to create their own approach to building grants calendars and grants strategies for their organizations. This webinar is for beginning, intermediate and advanced grantwriters.

News from NYCON

Dollars through the Door: Who Does What in Nonprofit Fundraising? [Lunch & Learn Webinar] Wednesday, March 13, 2013 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM (EDT)  Online - Call And Login Information Will Be Sent To You 24-48 Hours In Advance Of This Workshop Register Today Limited Spots Available This session provides an introduction to the diverse strategies nonprofits can use to generate revenue for their organizations with an emphasis on planning, sustainability and the role of Executive Staff and Board Members in fundraising efforts. We will be covering four key topics that typically arise when discussions of "fundraising" occur.  These are the importance of integrating fund development planning at the board and staff level. how to build and effective board/staff partnership including the role of each in creating and implementing a plan. overcoming the fear of the "ask" with consistent, impactful messaging and considering new and innovative entrepreneurial approaches. Register Today Limited Spots Available

New Year, Great Time to Explore New Employee Benefits that You Can Afford! We know that the Employe Benefits "Market" can be complicated.  Our job is to help make that world more simple, and affordable for nonprofits. To help you understand each type of benefit, it's coverage features and it's costs we are rolling out a series of short 30-minute webinar spotlights on our administered programs: Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts and our Vision Program - which is new for 2013! 3/21/2013  [Benefit Spotlight Webinar] Vision Insurance    4/11/2013  [Benefit Spotlight Webinar] Dental Insurance Plans & Administration through NYCON  Stay tuned for our Flexible Spending Account & Life Insurance Webinars in the Spring....

Nonprofit Audits in a Nutshell   [Free Members Only Webinar] March 28th, 2013    3:30pm to 4:30pm  Register Today!   Like yours, many nonprofit organizations often find themselves   wondering... Do we need to have an independent audit? (And what does that entail anyway?) Are there special rules for us because we receive government grants? How can we prepare so that the process goes smoothly?    What's the board's role? To answer these questions and more, the New York Council of Nonprofits (NYCON) is excited to bring you Nonprofit Audits in a Nutshell, a free webinar on March 28th at 3:30pm Eastern, hosted by our national network, the National Council of Nonprofits. This webinar features practical tips from nonprofits about their audit practices, as well as experts from BoardSource and Raffa and is designed to give you background on everything you need to know about the independent audit process (from legal requirements to practical advice).     Thanks to the support of First Nonprofit Foundation, this exclusive webinar is available, free of charge, to all members of NYCON Don't miss this opportunity - Register Today! Free and Open to Current NYCON Members Only (click here to renew your membership for 2013 before registering)

Upcoming NYCON Membership Orientation  (for all new and returning members!

3/22/2013 [Please note the date change] Membership Benefits Orientation [Webinar]  In our "Get to Know Us" Sessions, NYCON staff will tell you a lot more about our membership benefits - and answer all the questions you have regarding our process, costs and what you get for FREE.      We will be talking about these benefits. Nonprofit Training, Education and Professional Assistance NYCON empowers our members with the best practices, policies, and procedures as well as information on ever-changing regulations, funding, accountability and more. Cost Savings Solutions for Nonprofits NYCON leverages the purchasing power of thousands of nonprofits to bring you economies of scale on everything from Office Supplies to Fundraising Software. The Nonprofit Voice in New York State NYCON represents our members on the local, state and national level, giving voice to small and medium sized nonprofits everywhere.

Upcoming Webinars from NYCON and an Important message

Upcoming Webinars and a statement from the National Councit of Nonprofits New Year, Great Time to Explore New Employee Benefits that You Can Afford! We know that the Employe Benefits "Market" can be complicated.  Our job is to help make that world more simple, and affordable for nonprofits. To help you understand each type of benefit, it's coverage features and it's costs we are rolling out a series of short 30-minute webinar spotlights on our administered programs: Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts and our Vision Program - which is new for 2013! Our Series Starts Next Week! Register Today... 3/7/2013 [Benefit Spotlight Webinar] Health Insurance Plans 3/21/2013  [Benefit Spotlight Webinar] Vision Insurance    4/11/2013  [Benefit Spotlight Webinar] Dental Insurance Plans & Administration through NYCON  Stay tuned for our Flexible Spending Account & Life Insurance Webinars in the Spring.... Dollars through the Door: Who Does What in Nonprofit Fundraising? [Lunch & Learn Webinar] Wednesday, March 13, 2013  10:00 AM to 12:00 PM (EDT)  Online - Call And Login Information Will Be Sent To You 24-48 Hours In Advance Of This Workshop Register Today Limited Spots Available This session provides an introduction to the diverse strategies nonprofits can use to generate revenue for their organizations with an emphasis on planning, sustainability and the role of Executive Staff and Board Members in fundraising efforts. We will be covering four key topics that typically arise when discussions of "fundraising" occur.  These are the importance of integrating fund development planning at the board and staff level. how to build and effective board/staff partnership including the role of each in creating and implementing a plan. overcoming the fear of the "ask" with consistent, impactful messaging and considering new and innovative entrepreneurial approaches. Register Today Limited Spots Available Nonprofit Audits in a Nutshell   [Free Members Only Webinar] March 28th, 2013    3:30pm to 4:30pm  Register Today!   Like yours, many nonprofit organizations often find themselves   wondering... Do we need to have an independent audit? (And what does that entail anyway?) Are there special rules for us because we receive government grants? How can we prepare so that the process goes smoothly?    What's the board's role? To answer these questions and more, the New York Council of Nonprofits (NYCON) is excited to bring you Nonprofit Audits in a Nutshell, a free webinar on March 28th at 3:30pm Eastern, hosted by our national network, the National Council of Nonprofits. This webinar features practical tips from nonprofits about their audit practices, as well as experts from BoardSource and Raffa and is designed to give you background on everything you need to know about the independent audit process (from legal requirements to practical advice).     Thanks to the support of First Nonprofit Foundation, this exclusive webinar is available, free of charge, to all members of NYCON Don't miss this opportunity - Register Today! Free and Open to Current NYCON Members Only (click here to renew your membership for 2013 before registering) Upcoming NYCON Membership Orientation  (for all new and returning members! 3/22/2013 [Please note the date change] Membership Benefits Orientation [Webinar]  In our "Get to Know Us" Sessions, NYCON staff will tell you a lot more about our membership benefits - and answer all the questions you have regarding our process, costs and what you get for FREE.      We will be talking about these benefits. Nonprofit Training, Education and Professional Assistance  NYCON empowers our members with the best practices, policies, and procedures as well as information on ever-changing regulations, funding, accountability and more.  Cost Savings Solutions for Nonprofits NYCON leverages the purchasing power of thousands of nonprofits to bring you economies of scale on everything from Office Supplies to Fundraising Software. The Nonprofit Voice in New York State NYCON represents our members on the local, state and national level, giving voice to small and medium sized nonprofits everywhere. Statement from National Council of Nonprofits on Sequestration Cuts Washington, DC -  "While Washington lawmakers play the blame game over who is responsible for letting sequestration's automatic spending cuts go into effect, America's nonprofits, and the people they serve, have been the first to suffer the consequences. "Nonprofits have been in limbo for months already due to sequestration's uncertainty with contract renewals held up as states and localities wait to see how they are affected by the cuts. While for-profit road-builders cease laying asphalt until payments are guaranteed, nonprofits continue providing needed services in their local communities. Nonprofits with government contracts and grants haven't kickedat-risk children out of group homes, cut back on care for mentally ill individuals, or stopped serving meals to seniors. Instead, nonprofits have continued operations as best they could, effectively subsidizing governments.  "As the reality of sequestration cuts play out, the work of nonprofits is going to become even more difficult from multiple compounding factors as many are hit by direct funding cuts to programs, hit again as state and local governments cut their funding further to make up for their own budgets being cut, and hit a third time as people who are furloughed or laid off as part of sequestrationturn to nonprofits for help in unprecedented numbers. Charitable nonprofits are already severely depleted from doing so much more, for so many more, for so much longer, with so much less; they can no longer underwrite government's failures. Nonprofit employees and board members can no longer pick up the slack as elected officials refuse to do their jobs... Read the full statement

Did You Know: Dental PPO Balanced Billing?

Dental Benefits: What is Balanced Billing? 

 

 

This year, once a month, Council Services Plus will be bringing you tid-bits of helpful and interesting facts and information about insurance. 

  

Last month we discussed Dental Benefit Maximums; so keeping with that theme, this month we

we'll focus on another term that often is associated with dental benefits: PPO Balanced Billing.

Many times employees choose a dentist that may not participate in the "network" of dentists approved by the plan offered by the employer. Many dental plans offer out-of-network benefits and still pay claims submitted by dentists that do not participate with that plan. If your plan has out-of-network coverage (usually associated with Point of Service (POS) or Preferred Provider organization (PPO) plans) you need to be aware of the fees charged by that dentist, and what your plan deems as reasonable and customary (R&C) charges that they will pay for.

When you use a participating (or preferred) provider, that dentist has agreed to accept the company's R&C fees as the basis for their billing. For example, if a filling R&C fee is $100, then the participating dentist must charge that for a filling. If your coinsurance is 80%, then you pay $20 (20% of $100) and the company pays $80.

 

Let's now assume you go to a non-participating provider and they charge $150 for the same filling. The insurance plan will still base the amount they pay at 80% of R&C ($100) and you must pay the "balance" of the bill due to the non-participating dentist. Under this situation, your cost is $70 ($150-$80). You can see why you may "prefer" to see a "preferred" provider in a PPO plan to help keep your costs down. 

Help Your Employees Cover the Cost of Healthcare

CS Plus Now Offers Access to Affordable, Comprehensive Voluntary Benefits for Your Employees In a stressful time, specified disease insurance can help protect your employees and let them concentrate on what matters most. The American Cancer Society reports that cancer costs Americans nearly $230 billion annually, and much of that is considered indirect or hidden costs not covered by major medical plans (Loss of wages, deductibles/coinsurance, travel expenses, lodging/meals, child care, etc).  CS Plus now offers your employees access to Specified Disease Insurance for Cancer from Colonial Voluntary Benefits (underwritten by The Paul Revere Life Insurance Company). This type of policy pays specific benefits for cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Specified Disease Insurance for Cancer Plan Benefit Includes: Wellness benefit - Payable for one of the specified cancer screening tests performed. Bone marrow donor benefit - Payable if you donate your bone marrow to another person who has been identified as a match to your bone marrow type. Inpatient benefits - Payable for hospital-related services such as hospital confinement, ambulance, air ambulance and full-time nursing services. Treatment benefits - Payable for cancer treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy, anti-nausea medication and medical imaging. Surgical procedures benefits - Payable for surgery performed to treat cancer, including reconstructive surgery and anesthesia. Transportation and lodging benefits - Payable if you must travel to receive cancer treatment. Extended care benefits - Payable for extended care services such as home health care, hospice and skilled nursing care Rates starting as low as $13.75 per month, per employee. For More Information Please Contact: Licensed Account Representatives Kristie Hood at  (877) 501-4277 x129, khood@councilservicesplus.com; or Eric Laughlin at x128, elaughlin@councilservicesplus.com