FROM THE FOUNDATION

Redefining the Safety Net

Should California establish a Basic Health Program for certain low-income residents? CHCF's Marian Mulkey captures a recent policy conversation in a Health Affairs blog.

Accountable Care in Action

A new post on the Health Affairs blog details how CalPERS kept costs down in Sacramento through a "virtual" ACO with insurers and providers.

Career Opportunity: Senior Program Officer

This position will play a major role in furthering the goals and objectives of the foundation's Better Chronic Disease Care program.

Special Reports

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

More Employers Turn to Wellness Incentive Programs To Trim Rising Health Care Costs

To address rising health care costs, many employers are trying out new programs that offer incentives to workers who maintain healthy lifestyles.

Such programs typically give discounts on premiums or other financial incentives to workers who fill out health questionnaires, obtain preventive screenings or participate in weight-loss programs.

In a California Healthline Special Report by Kelly Wilkinson, experts discussed factors contributing to the growing trend of wellness incentive programs.

The Special Report includes comments from:

  • Tom Hubbard, senior program director for the New England Healthcare Institute;
  • Steven Noeldner, a partner at Mercer Health & Benefits; and
  • Joe Woods, CEO of HumanaVitality (Wilkinson, California Healthline, 11/16).

The complete transcript of this Special Report is available as a PDF.

Running Time: 5:58

Reader Comments:
  • 3
  • 11/21/2011
  • Charles Everett

Personal responsibility is a fundamental element of good health. Incentives that encourage healthy behavior makes business sense. The challenge, long term, is measuring the benefits against the cost.

  • 2
  • 11/16/2011
  • susan smith

As long as these incentives are linked to enhancing the doctor/patient relationship it'll be successful. When patients have questions about generic drugs or alternative tests, or when they need guidance on a weight-loss plan for their medical situation, having a primary care doc they can talk to is key. The key is to ask questions and to expect full answers.

  • 1
  • 11/16/2011
  • Rudy LehderRivas

Without a doubt this is the future of healthcare in America. We all have seen the research each year America is "Gaining weight" literally. Ultimately weight and unhealthy life choices will cost each American more in Tax Dollars.

Rudy Lehder Rivas, CEO
Hispanic Healthcare Consultant



Readers are invited to send feedback to: chl@chcf.org