Although the ripples of health care reform are looming, 2011 is the potential beginning of a new era of the delivery of health care. Albert Ertel, chief operating officer of Alliant Health Plans, says employers as well as individual employees are facing tremendous responsibilities.
“When it comes down to it, the key to reducing the overall cost of care will come from reducing the overall necessity of care,” Ertel says. “The only way to do that is to move the needle toward healthier people.”
Smart Business spoke with Ertel about how wellness programs can benefit employers, and how to get employees to participate happily.
Why are wellness initiatives important?
No matter how much the government pushes it, the responsibility will land with individuals. Employers have an incentive to have healthier employees. Healthier employees are more productive.
Ultimately it benefits us, the insurance company, too, that is if we are paying fewer claims on ‘healthier’ people. That will allow us to hold down price increases in the future. That’s the domino effect: healthier people equal fewer claims. Fewer claims equal lower premiums. Lower premiums equal more people getting coverage with lower rates.
How can employers get employees to participate?
Our program, AlliantSense, works very much like a frequent flier program. You get points for doing the things you should be doing, preventing illness and improving your overall health and wellness. Points are awarded for getting your annual physical. If you get it in the month of your birthday, there’s a bonus.
It’s our way to try to create incentives for people to practice a healthier lifestyle. It can get employees in the habit of having an annual physical, losing weight or maintaining a healthy weight, participating in scheduled runs or walks, or getting a mammogram or colonoscopy.
Also, if a generic drug is available, points are awarded for picking it over the name-brand drug. It’s cheaper, no less effective and they get points. It helps with compliance. If the decision is a $10 drug versus a $50 drug, they’re going to take the generic drug. Especially if money’s tight, some people will say ‘I don’t have the money for it this month’ and they won’t get their prescription filled. That’s just wrong.
This program is not just wellness; it’s a prevention plan as well. It helps manage chronic diseases, too. It provides education and potential alternatives to care, while encouraging employees to get moving, eat right and exercise.
