Worksite Wellness = Solution

Transcription

1 Worksite Wellness Small Steps to Healthier Employees Brought to you by: Cool Insuring Agency, Inc. Worksite Wellness = Solution 1

2 Definition of Workplace Wellness Workplace wellness programs are long term strategies for reducing benefit costs through sustained improvements in workforce health. Types of Wellness s: Awareness oriented Activity oriented Results oriented Types of wellness s Awareness oriented Provides information and resources to help employees learn about healthy lifestyle choices Emphasizes Education and Awareness, not actual activity or behavior Tends to be most appealing to already health conscious individuals, so generally ineffective for reducing health care costs Examples: Newsletters, Bulletin Boards, blasts, etc 2

3 Types of wellness s Activity oriented Combines awareness with participation in healthy activities Generally offers some type of participation incentive Usually leads to some health care savings, but could take three or more years to break even or realize a positive return of investment Examples: walking programs, weight loss challenges, discounted/free gym memberships or on site fitness programs Types of wellness s Results oriented Focuses on measurable outcomes and behavior changes achieved through the program BEST IF DONE ON AN AGGREGATE LEVEL to avoid issues of HIPAA. Also includes components of awareness and activity based on programs If paired with strong incentives, this type has the ability to produce significant return on investment through lower health care costs, decreased absenteeism and fewer workers compensation incidents Examples: Setting goals around aggregate BMI levels, reducing ER visits, etc. 3

4 Implementing a Successful Results oriented Follow HIPAA guidelines One reason employers shy away from results oriented wellness programs is concern about HIPAA s nondiscrimination rules. HIPAA prohibits group health plans and group health insurance insurers from discriminating against individual participants and beneficiaries in eligibility, premiums or contributions to vary based on participation in a wellness program, if the program complies with certain non discrimination standards. Under these guidelines, results oriented wellness programs are permitted if they abide by five rules. The five rules are 1. The program must give eligible individuals the opportunity to qualify for the reward at least once per year. 2. The reward (incentive) for results based programs is limited generally, it must not exceed 20% of the cost of employee only coverage under the plan. However, ACA has just increased the limit to 30% for plan years beginning on or after January 1, Final ACA regulations issued on May 29, 2013, increases the maximum permissible reward to 50% for wellness programs designed to prevent or reduce tobacco use. 3. The program must be reasonably designed to promote health & prevent disease. It must provide a reasonable alternative standard to qualify for the reward for all individuals who do not meet the initial standard that is related to a health factor. 4

5 The Five rules are continued 4. The reward must be available to all similarly situated individuals the program must allow a reasonable alternative standard(or waiver of initial standard) for obtaining the reward for to all individuals who do not meet the initial standard based on a measurement, test or screening, regardless of any medical condition or other health status. 5. The plan materials describing the terms of the program must disclose the availability of a reasonable alternative standard (or the possibility of a waiver of the initial standard). Benefits of a Wellness Lower health plan utilization, which in turn lowers health benefit costs and increases bottom line Improved employee health Improved productivity as healthy employees tend to perform better Reduction in sick leave absenteeism Improved reputation as a company who cares about their employees aids in recruiting and community perception Improved employee morale and stronger employee retention 5

6 Worksite Wellness Trends Worksite Wellness Trends The most common wellness initiatives include: Onsite flu shots General health and safety communications for employees Weight management programs Health fairs Health risk assessments Smoking cessation programs Biometric Screenings However, it is important to learn about your employee group and develop programs that address their particular goals, risks and needs. 6

7 Worksite Wellness Trends Many companies are offering incentives to participate in wellness programs, such as: Cash Gift certificates and merchandise discounts Days off Lower medical premiums FSA, HRA or HSA credits Creating a Workplace Wellness 7

8 Creating a Workplace Wellness Gain Upper Management Support Management must understand the benefits of the program for both the employees and the organization, and be willing to put funds towards its development, implementation and evaluation. The Wellness Council of America (WELCOA), an organization dedicated to the promotion of worksite wellness, has identified the seven best practices for employers to follow when building a comprehensive, effective worksite wellness program with an organization. Visit for more information Create a Wellness Team Your team should be individuals who will have a role in program development, implementation and evaluation. Creating a Workplace Wellness Tailor Your Initiatives to Employee Needs Gather data to help assess your employees health interests and risks. Create an Annual Operating Plan An annual operating plan should include a mission statement for the program, along with specific, measurable short and long term goals. 8

9 Creating a Workplace Wellness A successful operating plan should include the following: Vision statement outlining what you are trying to achieve with the program Goals for the program objectives and health initiatives to support them A timeline A budget Communication plan Implementation plan Evaluation how will the success of the program be measured Creating a Workplace Wellness Choose Appropriate s and Initiatives Select health initiatives that are relevant to the data you collected. Create a Supportive Environment Provide employees with ongoing encouragement, support, opportunities and rewards. Consistently Evaluate Outcomes Take a close look at your goals and objectives, and determine whether you have achieved the desired result. 9

10 Creating a Workplace Wellness If your budget is tight but you want to start a wellness program, consider utilizing these resources: Community organizations and/or local businesses they often times are happy to volunteer their time and service at no charge for the free marketing opportunity it provides them Employees, friends or relatives that have certifications or education in areas of health & wellness fitness instructors, massage therapy, Reiki Master, etc. Workplace Wellness s Let Cool Insuring Agency, Inc. help you create a workplace wellness program today we have all the tools you need to do so! , 2011 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved. 10