Pilot Program with Benton County, Arkansas, Generates Huge Savings
When self-insured Benton County, Arkansas, faced mounting debt due to the rising cost of health claims, they knew something must be done –– and quickly.
Human resources manager, Barbara Ludwig and her team, turned to Covenant Services Group for an innovative employee wellness program that has not only generated significant savings –– more than $1 million in the first year –– but has also increased the health of about 400 employees enrolled in the program.
The program works in conjunction with group health plans to reward healthy lifestyle choices.
- First, enrolled employees are analyzed for blood pressure, glucose and cholesterol levels, nicotine use and body mass index. Depending on the results of these health screens, employees may qualify for discounts to the base plan deductible. For example, under the Benton County plan, a non-smoker would qualify for a $400 discount to the base $2,500 deductible.
- Covenant Services Group then tabulates the results of the health screens to determine each employee’s level of discount. If an employee meets all five wellness goals, as defined by the National Institutes of Health, his or her deductible in the Benton County plan can be as low as $500.
As employees strive to earn the monetary discounts attached to this voluntary program, they’re also reaping another benefit which doesn’t carry a price tag –– improved health and wellness. Although Benton County has seen an increase in the number of medical claims since this program began, the cost per claim is about half as much as in previous years, demonstrating that employee health has improved and that employees are seeking treatment for minor problems before they become serious and much more costly.
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