wellness programs really reduce health insurance costs?

wellness programs really reduce health insurance costs? -

As group health insurance costs continue to rise, a strategy employers evaluate is a formal wellness program. In fact, a recent Wells Fargo Insurance poll found 51 percent of employers are looking to add or increase the welfare of initiatives to improve the health of their workforce. The employees seem to be on board as well. A recent HealthMine survey, 75 percent of employees want their employers to offer health incentives and welfare. So do programs wellness really save companies money? The answer may not be so cut and dry

Widespread Adoption

In recent years, wellness programs have become a popular offering employer benefits -. With 60 percent of American companies offer some type of wellness initiative - against only a third of employers in 09. According to a new study of the think tank nonprofit Rand Corp., welfare programs are now a $ 6 billion industry this year

the idea behind welfare programs - and the reason for this mass adoption - is less than or they help to control the costs of health care employers. Employees receive preventive care they need to stay fit and active, and receive information and resources to reduce costly medical claims. A healthier workforce also means reduced absenteeism and turnover because of health

Related - Benefits to employee health.? Wellness Programs Get a federal review

So do they

according to new study by Rand Corp, the answer is yes and no. The study looked at nearly 0,000 employees and seven employers showed that living programs of welfare have little immediate impact on the amount employers are spending on health insurance costs. On the other hand, the wellness programs focused on disease management only see short-term results

To summarize:

• style of management programs life - those that promote healthy eating, smoking cessation, and exercise. - See the benefits achieved in the longer term
• programs of disease management -. those that provide an intervention for diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and emphysema. - See profits in the short term

lessons for employers

What lessons can employers learn about wellness programs and cost control? As the report suggestions, there are three key points :.

1. Set clear objectives for the welfare program welfare programs are not always to lower premium costs. They may also be on improving the health of the workforce and creating a culture of health.
2. Pay attention to costs. Be strategic with money from the company and, if possible, to measure the return on investment.
3. Run regularly. the study found employers with a strong commitment to the program took longer lasting results.

Conclusion

therefore, do wellness programs work? Yes, they can. As recent research suggests, however, companies can see the best return on investment by clearly defining the objectives of the program, the implementation of a coherent program, and paying attention to their health insurance costs.

Is this your business using wellness initiatives to help control costs Medicare? If so, is it working? We would like your views. Leave a comment or question below.

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