Wellness Programs Gear Up for Fall

Like many health management organizations, we are gearing up for our busy Fall season. Companies tend to amp up their preventative services like flu shots, biometric screenings, and incentive programs in September after the summer lull. And now, with the recent buzz about the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, businesses are readier than ever to prioritize employee health and reap the return on investment.

Chronic disease is expensive – both for individuals and companies. Conditions like obesity, type two diabetes, and hypertension can all be discovered and addressed as part of wellness screening services. The sooner employees are nudged towards healthier habits, the sooner companies will begin to reap the fiscal benefits.

We urge businesses to take advantage of the savings the ACA affords them when it comes to preventing illness, managing costs, and keeping workers in top health. A notable change in the world of worksite wellness includes savings tied to incentive programs. In 2014, employers can increase rewards for participation in goal-oriented wellness programs from 20% to as much as 50% of an employee’s insurance costs. This puts an emphasis on prevention and well-being rather than simply disease management.

It’s never too late to hop on the total health management bandwagon. WCS offers high-tech, customized programs to help companies of all shapes and sizes implement effective onsite wellness options to reduce costs and improve employee health.