Pub. 12 2013-2014 Issue 2

24 By Bruce Mazzarelli and Carolyn Andress We all recognize the advantages of an employer and their employees working together towards a common goal. The employee benefits arena, in particular, provides several opportunities for those joint efforts to maximize results. Read on to learn more about three areas that can benefit both employers AND Employees — Corporate Wellness, Health Savings Accounts, and Equal Pay ASO Programs. CorporateWellness – Today, approximately 75% of all healthcare spending is attributed to treating conditions that are lifestyle related and preventable. A successful Corporate Wellness Program is an excellent way to reduce healthcare costs for both the employer and the employee. Wellness programs are primarily grouped into two categories, ParticipatoryWellness Programs and Health Contingent Wellness Programs. Participatory Wellness Programs are often voluntary, and may provide small rewards for completing simple health related activities such as a health risk assessment or an online seminar. Health Contingent Wellness Programs, on the other hand, require greater effort and commitment from an employer and its employees. Health Contingent Wellness Programs might utilize an ”activ- ity based” approach, such as requiring participation in a diet or exercise program, or an “outcomes based” approach where incentives are tied to achieving a specific health related goal. The key to achieving optimal results is employee engagement, which can then result in claims avoidance, reduced absenteeism, and a healthier work force – all important components to lowering healthcare costs. Implementing a Health Contingent Wellness Program is ideal for larger groups where claims directly impact premiums. Here, employee premium contributions are tied to the results of annual biometric screenings, with healthier employees rewarded by con- tributing less towards the cost of their health plan. Benefits Goals can be Realized when Employees and Employers Work Together! By Bruce Mazzarelli and Carolyn Andress