Recent report by The Washington Post indicates that a growing number of workers will pay more for their health benefits in 2009.

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The Corporate Executive Board discovered that 25 percent of the 350 corporations surveyed have increased deductibles an average of 9 percent in 2008. 30 percent of the employers indicate that they expect to raise deductibles an average of 14 percent in 2009.

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A survey conducted by Mercer of nearly 2,000 large corporations found that 44 percent plan to increase the employee contribution toward premiums in 2009.

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“To cut costs, employers increasingly are introducing high-deductible “health savings accounts” and focusing on wellness programs aimed at keeping workers healthy through diet and exercise.”

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If you are going to shift costs to your employees, why not make sure to offer the opportunity to earn money back by choosing better health through better living. An idea that benefits both employers AND employees.

Recent report from Reuters 2/19/2009

Survey of 489 large U.S. employers indicates that U.S. employers are changing their traditional methods of offering health benefits leaning toward consumer directed health plans and health promotion programs.

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“Cost increases have stabilized, but the financial crisis is causing many companies to reevaluate their health plan strategies,” said Ted Nussbaum, group and health care practice expert at consultants Watson Wyatt.

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“By promoting healthy habits for workers, companies can mitigate cost pressures and build a healthier, more productive work force,” says Helen Darling, president of the National Business Group on Health.

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Read the entire article

According to JoAnn Mills Laing, Information Strategies, Inc., they just might be…
Read entire article: Employees distrustful of agent/broker efforts

JD Power and Associates survey 10,552 consumers and asked the question “Which of the following do you trust most when it comes to advice about how to stay healthy and how to get the best healthcare?”

You may or may not be surprised at the responses, but here they are…

70% primary care physician

31% the specialist they see most

2% their employers

12% their insurance plan

8% the government

6% none of the above

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So what does this mean to brokers and employers who are actively seeking to reduce health care costs by helping employees choose better health through better living?

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Utilize independant third-party doctor-sponsored health promotion/ wellness programs to acheive maximum participation and benefit.

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You wouldn’t take financial investment advice from your employer, why would you trust that they can help you effectively promote your health? Bring in the experts.

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We can help…

Listen to what past U.S. Comptroller General (that’s America’s top Accountant) David M. Walker has to say about the impact of health care on our U.S. economy.

Does it shock you?

Click here to listen

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