Tom Raffio

Health Care Reform Update

neddblog — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 20:25:56 +0000

Despite legal and legislative challenges, the federal health care reform statute – the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (“PPACA”) – continues to be the law. Federal regulations further defining the details of the law, and state laws designed to address implementation of the law, are in varying stages of progress. Northeast Delta Dental has been actively involved in efforts in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont regarding the development of state health benefit exchanges (“HBE”) and the manner in which dental benefits will be handled on those exchanges.

PPACA requires individual states to either set up their own exchanges to be operational by January 1, 2014, or have the federal government step in and set up the exchange(s). By the end of 2012, states must be progressing sufficiently toward implementation, in the judgment of federal officials, to avoid having the federal government become involved. Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont are all at differing stages with respect to implementation, with Vermont being the furthest along; efforts are underway in both Maine and New Hampshire, the legislatures of which are currently considering bills to set up a state based exchange.

Northeast Delta Dental believes that control of the exchanges by the states is vastly preferable to having them set up by the federal regulators, and that the state and its citizens and employers would be best served by a state designed and run exchange. With that in mind, we are working with legislators toward that end. Stay tuned for future updates.

Are HCR issues being discussed at the CEO and executive levels at your company, and if so, what are their concerns? How do you feel HCR will impact your benefits, and specifically your dental plan? Please share with me your thoughts.

Make-A-Wish

neddblog — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 20:47:38 +0000

The 14th Annual Northeast Delta Dental Ski Day was held on January 8, 2012, at the Attitash Mountain Ski Resort in Bartlett, New Hampshire. This event helps raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of New Hampshire and is held in conjunction with their Vertical Challenge Race Series, a free race open to all ages and abilities. Northeast Delta Dental race participants included Tom Raffio, Patti Capone, Jim Jensen (with the best Northeast Delta Dental race time of 24:60!), Jim Green and Jake Bowser.

Every year invited guests include our participating dentists and office staff, Northeast Delta Dental Board members, and Northeast Delta Dental employees and their family members. Fifty friends joined us at our outing this year. Lift tickets were free for the day, courtesy of Northeast Delta Dental, and toothbrushes, toothpaste and floss were handed out to everyone who visited our hospitality tent. The weather was perfect for a fun-filled day of downhill skiing and snowboarding followed by a huge après-ski party with music, games and prizes, and raffles that raised $600. A contest was held to see who was the best at brushing their teeth and all were winners!

The Make-A-Wish Foundation of New Hampshire (newhampshire.wish.org) grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. It strives to provide children with the hope for better times, the strength for the tough times and the joy to experience the present. The Make-A-Wish Foundation of New Hampshire is part of the nation’s largest and most recognized wish-granting organization, with chapters and volunteers throughout the United States and the world. Northeast Delta Dental is a proud sponsor of this and several other events throughout the year to benefit this organization. This year they granted their 1000th wish!

Teeth Brushing Contest - All were winners!

Become a Mentor

neddblog — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 20:40:17 +0000

I was invited to speak at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences commencement held in Manchester, NH on December 17, 2011. Graduates included nursing students, physician assistants and dental hygienists. I took the opportunity to share with these fresh young minds as they transition into their new careers the importance of being a coach and a mentor. I think that’s a message worth repeating to as many people as I can, as often as I can. Take what you are passionate about and instill that excitement in others. Spend time with young professionals and help them become tomorrow’s leaders. It’s one way you can give back to your community and your employer while growing yourself and honing your own leadership skills. Follow the Golden Rule and you can make a difference in the world.

Bright New Year

neddblog — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 19:23:05 +0000

Thoughts of a fresh new year right around the corner fosters hope for renewed opportunities. On behalf of Northeast Delta Dental, I want to extend season’s greetings and well wishes to all of our friends, participating dentists, producers, subscribers, group purchasers, our boards of directors and trustees, colleagues, and the Northeast community at-large. However you celebrate this time of year, may it be filled with precious moments with those near and dear to you.

Have you made any New Year’s resolutions? I plan to reconnect with old friends, enjoy my family, keep on running, and be the best that I can be. What are your New Year’s resolutions for 2012? Please share with me and leave a comment.

Blessings in my life

neddblog — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 16:58:15 +0000

The holidays are upon us as the year draws to a close and it’s a time for reflection. I want to thank my wonderful wife Lisa for 31 precious years of marriage, who supports me so I can give my best to Northeast Delta Dental, our customers and participating dentists, and to the community. We have four lovely children, who are our pride and joy. I have a friend who tells me I’m a very lucky man and those words weigh in my mind when I think of how much we take for granted every day. I’m wishing you and yours peace and joy in this wonderful holiday season.