Alcan aluminum: development of a mental health "carve-out"

This comprehensive approach may be unusual for a company of Alcan's size. Clearly, it is a progressive, thorough, and multilevel strategy that did the following: recognized the cost impact and quality-of-care defects in the previous benefit plans; was ready to manage the medical plans, especially the MHSA benefit plan; used a careful diagnostic approach, including data analysis, plan design review, and input from many constituencies; developed a custom-designed program, bid, and vendor selection process; avoided shifting costs to employees; kept benefit levels adequate; kept employees satisfied; recognized that employees can be under stress and offered a way to provide assistance; and creatively addressed the increasing diversity in the workforce.