Two news items today remind us how important it is to make sure you’re taking care of your people — and to make sure your people know how to take care of themselves.
The cost of health care premiums surged this year, and costs for workers are rising at a faster rate than costs for employers.
No one is sure why. Kaiser Family Foundation (which published the study) thinks it might be a fluke. Some speculate that insurance companies want to get rate hikes in now before a 2012 provision of health care reform makes it harder to raise premiums.
Whatever the cause, the average annual premium for family coverage reached $15,073 this year. That’s a 9% increase over last year and a 113% increase in employee contributions.
Meanwhile, a Consumer Reports study finds that more Americans are cutting corners on prescription medications to save money. They’re taking expired medicine, sharing prescriptions with friends, skipping doses or simply not filling their prescriptions.
It’s a coincidence that the percentage of people who do this (48% of those polled vs. 39% in 2010) also rose by 9% this year.
It’s not a coincidence that this number is on the rise. The cost of health care is burdening everyone. And people don’t know what to do.
Your wellness program will not replace the services provided by professional care providers, and it’s not a substitute for a health care plan. But you can do something to help your employees and your organization manage these escalating costs. And you absolutely should.
- Provide a medical self-care program so employees know when they can treat themselves at home — and when they should see their doctor right away
- Make it easier for employees to be healthier at work. Flex time. Onsite fitness classes. Onsite screenings. Support groups for lifestyle change. Bike racks. Bus route maps. Fresh food in the office kitchen. Easier said than done? Sure. But important.
- Reward healthy behaviors and, if possible, reduce health care premiums for people who stay fit and don’t smoke
- Educate your employees about wise health care consumerism. People don’t always realize they can ask their doctor questions about fees, ask for generic alternatives to brand-name drugs, negotiate prices for services and shop around for lower rates
There are better ways to save money on health care than skipping prescriptions, avoiding preventive screenings and going without necessary medical care.
You might not be able to stop the rising tide of health care costs. But you can give your employees better tools to navigate those waters.