As we look at the various activities of a health care coalition, I think it is important to note that health education can be one of the most beneficial activities for a coalition to become involved in. A coalition, through health education programs combined with adequate baseline data, can impact the appropriate use of health care resources in a given community. A good example of this type of initiative, that is

still unfolding, is the Heartland Healthcare Coalitions efforts to impact the inappropriate use of Emergency Room facilities at area hospitals for specific

level 1 & 2 upper respiratory infections and their upcoming initiative to deal with the inappropriate use of antibiotics for viral infections. These efforts by HHC, which are designed to impact their member population and the community at-large, are being coordinated with area hospitals, physicians, health departments, and health plans to insure a hopefully high level of success in changing consumer behavior.

Jerry Custer

I'm currently looking for some information on the minimum requirements and information that should be listed on 401(k) statements. I'm very happy with my detailed quarterly statements but have heard from other plan participants that only get their statement once a year. Some statements only show balances, no N.A.V.'s or dates and amounts of contributions which would make it very difficult for plan participants to keep tabs on their accounts. I thought I once read a plan participant may even have to ask for an annual statement in order to get one. So I'm not sure if 401(k) statements are even mandatory if the plan participant does not ask. I'm sure most 401(k) plan participants do not run into this problem but I'm sure the ones that do will appreciate your comments and suggestions. Thanks in advance.

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<A HREF="http://www.timyounkin.com" TARGET=_blank>http://www.timyounkin.com</A>

I would like to know about the two funds that I have in my 401k potofolio and for the last year these funds Fidelity Advisor Equity Income Fund and Fidelity Advisor Growth Opportunities funds are underperfomed the market I need from you the future for year 2000.Question Should I keep them or sell them.And what do you think about Neuberger Berman Genises Trust?

Thanks.Alex

[This message has been edited by alex (edited 01-24-2000).]

I WORK FOR A LARGE CORP WITH MANY LOCATIONS. ALL THE SALARY PEOPLE AT THESE LOCATIONS HAVE THE RIGHT TO TAKE OUT LOANS. BUT THE HOURLY PEOPLE ARE REFUSED AND DENIED THESE SAME RIGHTS. IS THIS LEGAL? HOW DO WE CHANGE THIS. HOURLY CAN GET HARDSHIP LOAN, BUT HAVE TO PAY PENALTY, TAXES, AND CANNOT PARTICIPATE IN THE PLAN FOR ONE YEAR. PLEASE HELP SOMEONE.

I'm signing up for this (ugh) and was wondering if others on this bbs are also facing the same task of studying? If so, perhaps we could eventually get a question/answer deal going on here? Any thoughts? thanks.

How is limit calculated -

assumptions for 1999

principal repaid 60,000

interest repaid 110,000

total repaid 170,000

12/31/99 value of stock released 90,000

Less than 1/3 allocation goes to HCE's

when I calculate 415 limits (specifically the 30,000 limit) do I use the 60,000, or the 90,000?

I know the 90,000 is used for participant accounts. However, in doing so, I have an individual who exceeds 30,000. But if I use the 60,000 for 415 testing, the participant is under the 30,000.

thanks.

In a leveraged ESOP where less than 1/3 allocation goes to HCE's how is 415 calculated?

My company is researching mutual fund management fees for a 457 plan. Employees are interested in a choice of mutual funds offered by various companies and low management fees. Any suggestions?

Is there ever an instance where a QDRO distribution to a spousal alternate payee would be subject to the 10% penalty in a 401(a)? The plan allows for a lump sum distribution or monthly periodic payments or a combination of the two. The spousal alternate payee takes an initial lump sum then monthly payments - which are not subject to the 10% penalty. But later decides she needs another lump sum distribution (not the entire amount). Is this amount subject to 10% penalty - does it make the other amounts already distributed subject to the 10% penalty?

When employer stock is offered as an investment choice in a 401(k) plan, what is the procedure for voting the proxies. Does the investment manager/fiduciary vote them on behalf of the participants or does he distribute them to the actual participants and let them vote?

Does anyone know the rules regarding proxy voting when employer stock is an investment election in a 401(k)? I know this is the ESOP board but thought maybe someone would know. Is the investment manager or fiduciary required to vote the proxies on behalf of the participants or does he have to distribute them to the participants so they can vote them?

I was a full-time employee for a company until 11/15/99. At that point I converted to a part-time status with the understanding and verbal verification from Human Resources that I would still qualify for health/dental/vision insurance coverage. (Policy stated that part-time employees would qualify after 1 year of employment-which I was employed as full-time for one year).After reviewing my first paystub of 2000, I noticed that I did not have a health insurance deduction which I had previously paid my portion of premieums 11/15/99 through 12/31/99. When I called Human Resouces, I was told that as of 1/1/00 employees are required to work 24 hours a week (I am currently 8 hours a week) to qualify for insurance benefits. Furthermore, I was told that they sent me a letter dated 11/3/99 notifying me of this change and offering me the COBRA option. I was also told that my manager was also notified but he did not notify me. (currently he is on vacation). Essentially, I have not had insurance coverage since 1/1/00. To complicate this even further, I am now 6 months pregnant (this being the main reason I maintained minimal hours for insurance benefit). My primary concern is I know I can obtain other employment if I choose, but due to the lapse in coverage my pregnancy will more than likely not be covered for a period of time if at all. What recourse do I have? I would appreciate any info before I proceed with any internal or possible legal action.

It is my understanding that the amount that I converted in 1999 from my traditional to Roth IRA is now taxable. I realize now that I have not had my employer set aside enough federal tax from my paychecks this year, and thus have underpaid my taxes. Am I subject to underpayment penalties in a case like this?

Can a US citizen working in the United Kingdom with a retirement plan from the British employer roll the money to an IRA? This supposedly became effective 12/31/99.

As an insurance broker, I am looking for feedback on peoples experience with Aetna USHealthcare HMO.

The deferral limit for SIMPLE plans is still $6000. The deferral limit for 401(k) / 403(B) was increased to $10,500 for calendar year 2000.

Try a TPA out of Valparaiso, IN

Pension Consulting Services, Inc. at 800-535-8099

They charge $650 to set-up including the document.

$1000 plus $20 per participant annually and that includes the 5500.

We use Kemper Funds and really like the reporting.

We are a TPA that has doubled in size during the past two years. We sponsor our own prototype documents. When assuming duties as successor TPA, if the company used a prototype document (most do), we have been restating onto our prototype.

Is this necessary? I understand that technically a prototype/master document becomes an individually drafted plan when the sponsor of the prototype (bank or tpa) is removed. However, when the restatement for GUST begins, for calendar plan years we will be restating back to 1/01/97 on our document. Therefore my question. During this gap period, can we simply continue to use the former TPA/Bank's prototype/master plan?

Any idea when the new forms will be released by IRS for 2000? Any word from vendors, i.e. Hyper Prep?

Plan has one HCE and Failed the ADP. Plan matches 25 cents on dollar, per pay period, up to 12%. We are going to distribute deferrals and related gains.

Q 1) Do we have to distribute related match?

Q 2) How do we handle the related match and gains that were made with those deferrals? If the answer is forfeitures, does the HCE share in those forfeitures and when must they be allocated?