Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Employee wellness program and health insurance costs

Michigan's Grand Haven Tribune (12/18, Brooky) reported that Grand Haven is considering a 'wellness initiative' that would reward participating employees with less personal payment of health insurance premiums. The city's health-benefit costs have risen "from $1.6 million 10 years ago to more than $2.7 million in fiscal year 2004-05." To trim future health insurance cost, the city may begin a program that would include "weight reduction, a walking club, wellness classes, monthly on-site blood pressure testing and possibly a work-out room." The initial cost is "estimated as high as $33,000 for the first year," but the insurance savings are expected to be "about $100,000 in four years."

Likewise, UMN is partnering with some insurance companies to launch a new program call “UPlan Fitness Rewards” through which recreation sports members are eligible to receive a $20-a-month reimbursement for membership fees. The program is offered through the Office of Human Resources, apparently with an intention to keep employees healthy and reduce health insurance costs.

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