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Wellness shift seen in company health plans
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Published: October 18, 2009
A growing number of employers are making their workers' health a primary concern of their businesses.
Corporate wellness programs and additional premiums for tobacco use and obesity are becoming frequent additions to companies' health plans.
For example, the N.C. State Health Plan includes a Comprehensive Wellness Initiative, which focuses on quitting tobacco use and weight management, was approved by the state General Assembly this year.
Under the new plan, state employees, such as teachers, would have to change their level of benefits if they aren't actively trying to quit tobacco use or lose weight if they are obese. The tobacco plan goes into effect in July 2010 and the weight loss plan the following year.
Iredell Health Systems Vice President John Snow said the renewed focus on wellness and health care in the media is increasingly raising awareness with employers.
It's makes good business sense, said representatives from several local companies.
Employees with healthy lifestyles get sick less frequently, are more productive and keep overall health insurance costs low.
"We cover 65 percent of our employees' health care," said Greg Watson, chief financial officer of RP Machine and Abundant Manufacturing. "It is significant for us with the number of employees in the plans. The healthier your employers are the lower it keeps your rates."
RP Machine is new to developing programs like this. Presently, the wellness plan for the company's 200 employees spread across five locations is a rate structure through Blue Cross Blue Shield.
"There are more companies eager to learn about wellness programs and how it benefits the employees," Snow said. "There are some studies out there that suggest that employees that are involved in wellness programs work more productively and enjoy a healthier lifestyle."
Iredell Health Systems has emphasized its employee wellness programs for years, he said.The program was recognized by the American Heart Association, which named Iredell Memorial a Gold level Start! Fit-Friendly workplace for promoting physical activity and health.
At Iredell Memorial, employees are provided an annual health examination, health wellness education and access to a wellness nurse.
Iredell Health Systems has partnered with several area employers to develop corporate wellness plans and provides a registered nurse to act as a wellness coordinator.
Davis Regional Medical Center Human Resources Director Lana Smith said wellness programs help foster a holistic lifestyle."It is a trend (with companies), but it is something that's been going on for several years," Smith said.
At Davis Regional, employees are offered assistance with smoking cessation, obesity, stress and fitness.The hospital has an on-site fitness center for its employees.
The hospital also has an on-site nurse to give individualized care to its employees.
Lowe's Co. Inc. encourages its 220,000 employees to engage in some kind of physical activity, company spokeswoman Karen Cobb said.
The Mooresville-based home improvement retailer provides all employees access to its Life Track program, which emphasizes the importance of making good life choices, work/life services, legal and financial services, a smoking cessation program, weight loss, stress management and disease management.
Educational programs are provided to corporate, distribution center and store employees. For example, many store and distribution center employees lift items so there is a program promoting healthy backs.
Cobb said Lowe's employees have lost 38 tons of weight in the company's Weigh to Win program.
"We have a lot of focus on wellness," Cobb said. "Hopefully, it speaks to our level of commitment with partnering with our employees to stay healthy."
Having the wellness programs in place can also be a good recruiting tool.
"At the end of the day, what is important is folks take advantage of the education provided to them to live a healthier lifestyle," Snow said.
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