MADISON, Wis. – Credit unions looking for a competitive edge may want to take another look at their health care benefits. According to the CUNA E-Scan 2003-2004 Credit Union Staff Benefits Survey credit unions with competitive employee health care and benefits packages place themselves in the best position to both recruit and retain high quality employees. In addition, employee benefits not only draw qualified job applicants but also increase employee satisfaction and minimize turnover. Overall, despite health care premiums rising, fewer credit unions made changes to their 2003 health care plans than other employers nationwide. Of those credit unions that made health care plan adjustments the most common changes were increased co-pays; increased deductibles, and increased contributions to annual premiums. For the long term, the E-scan suggests that credit unions consider adding or increasing employee premium contributions and co-payments along with offering flexible spending accounts that allow employees to pay for medical expenses with pretax dollars. For more information or to order E-Scan's Credit Union Staff Benefits Survey, call (800) 356-8010, press 3, and ask for stock #25343.