As we head into the New Year, there is no doubt that big changes are ahead when it comes to health care and how we as individuals and as business owners address these changes. Individuals will be forced to re-evaluate the way they approach and think about their health care as will business owners.
The emergence of wellness programs that has occurred over the last decade will undoubtedly pick up steam as companies scramble to find ways to control the escalating cost of insuring employees and complying with new federal regulations.
The big change, however, is that wellness programs will have to become more accountable.
Outcome-based wellness programs will become the norm as businesses — and their employees — are forced to look at health insurance the way they look at auto insurance. Just as individuals with good driving records enjoy better auto insurance rates, individuals with healthier lifestyles and habits will also be rewarded when it comes to health insurance. Employees who quit smoking or reduce their BMI (Body Mass Index) will enjoy better rates. Employees who don’t, won’t.
The implications for employers are enormous. Incentives and measurement will become even more common. Businesses will be forced to become more creative in finding ways to encourage their employees to become healthier. Programs that produce measurable results for employees such as Biggest Losers Contests will likely become common.
This is not a bad thing. While we can debate the good, the bad and the ugly of healthcare reform, there is no debating that a healthier workforce is good for business.
May we all have a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year!
