The company has trained 22 "health service advisers," each of whom is a nurse, benefits specialist, wellness consultant and guide in cases of severe illness.

The approaches could serve as models for other employers and dramatically change how health services are delivered, benefits specialists say.

He was a benefits specialist, and had all the answers to all the questions about health care, pension plans, vacations, holidays, sick leave, employee stock options.

Practitioners include third-party administrators, benefits specialists, consultants, accountants, actuaries, attorneys, and others who deal with pension plans.

Her father retired as a benefits specialist at the federal Office of Personnel Management in Washington.

"We hear from them," said Jeff Dodd, a benefits specialist.

The company employs registered nurses, medical directors and benefits specialists who address a range of health care and health insurance issues.

But trying to deal with the cost problem by applying a policy like Circle K's is not the answer, the medical benefits specialists said.

"We have had a lot of positive feedback from parents," said Lisa Fiering, a benefits specialist in the hospital's human resources department.

But some executives and benefits specialists are realizing that the 41 million Americans without health insurance are costing them money.