Posted by Worksite Wellness | Posted in worksite wellness programs | Posted on 28-11-2008
Worksite Wellness Programs and Healthcare Costs
Worksite Wellness Programs are more important now than ever. A recent article in the Wall Street Journal, with the troubles in the economy it seems that the costs of organization offered medical care keep continuing to grow and it doesn’t seem like it is going to change. The article states that during the year 2008, U.S. organizations can expect to see an increase of 10% in medical care costs.
This increase in medical care costs is causing some small organizations to reduce their worker health benefits or get rid of them altogether.
Worksite Wellness Programs for Healthier Lifestyles
Worksite Wellness Programs do offer an option for small organizations. The corporations can offer discounted co-pays and deductibles to those employees that fully participate in the offered Worksite Wellness Program. Full participation means getting health screens, receiving a health risk assessment, and then working with their wellness coordinator to work towards a healthier lifestyle.
The healthier the employees, the reduce the overall medical care costs for the corporation. Just one lengthy hospital stay can almost deplete a small business’ medical care budget.
Worksite Wellness Programs and Your Bottom Line
Worksite Wellness Programs offer many advantages to a organization’s bottom-line. Worksite Wellness Program Statistics from Prudential Insurance show a benefit expense of $312 per person enrolled in a Worksite Wellness Program compared to an expense of $574 per worker that wasn’t enrolled. Coors Brewing Company showed a positive side-effect of participant absenteeism dropping by 18%, thus greater production and less medical care costs overall.