Speaking Out

The Y-axis Shift

I was intrigued to read the report from the Division of Human Resources on the study carried out by Hewitt Associates, concerning the wonderful deal we have at Penn in terms of our health care plan. I was particularly impressed by the final figure demonstrating a modest difference on total employee costs for HMO plans between what we pay at Penn (17%) and what others pay (24%), compared to the enormous difference in what our employer pays (83%) vs. what other employers pay (76%). Hewitt Associates' clever Y-axis shift (see page 4 Almanac, March 25, 2003) is exactly the method that I have been looking for to maximize the profits in my TIAA vs. CREF accounts. In addition, perhaps this is a skill that we should teach to our students. Many thanks.

--Daniel Malamud,
Professor of Biochemistry

Ed Note: Human Resources was offered an opportunity to respond and declined.

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