04/10/2007   Our employees put wellness programs to work

Health and wellness. They’re what everyone wants. And few of us can take either one for granted; for many, gaining and maintaining a healthy lifestyle is a lifelong commitment.

Asuris is committed to giving our members the tools they need to live healthier lifestyles and to enjoy the long-term rewards that wellness brings. We also realized that there’s no better place to start than at home. Before we could change health care in our community, we knew we had to first change health care among our own employees. That’s why in 2005 we launched internally the same programs we provide for our group and Individual members. And I’m pleased to report that the results of our employees’ participation have been stellar.

Asuris' internal "Building a Health Future" campaign recently entered its third year. The goal: To replace our workforce’s entitlement mentality with a culture of accountability. The results show that long-term commitment to wellness pays off:

• Wellness program participation increased from 11% in 2004 to 46% in 2006 with the introduction of financial incentives.
• Our "Your Health Your Way" onsite cafeteria program saw an increase in sales from 26% in the first year of offering discounted healthful menu items to 41% in the second year.
• Each of the past three years’ of health care trends (based on claim cost increases) has been at least 20% lower than the 2002 increase.
• Our workers’ compensation mod factor (upon which premium is based) decreased by 22.8% between 2005 and 2007 due to the decline in frequency and severity of claims.
• The company-sponsored Weight Watchers programs have resulted in 250 employees in eight locations losing more than 3,000 pounds by last summer.
• More than 100 people registered for smoking cessation programs since Oct. 1, 2006, when Asuris announced it would become a smoke-free campus starting in January 2007.
• Of those employees who responded to a recent survey, 88% strongly agree/agree that an incentive program is worth their time and effort.

What makes it work? We have the full support of our Plan presidents and executive teams, which includes monthly personal messages to employees, along with inspirational health testimonials. We implemented a graduated cost-sharing structure that features a five-tier premium copay based on pay range. And our employees (more than 80% of them) are enthusiastic users of myAsuris.com, which provides a customized Rewards program to encourage participation.

The combined efforts are creating an environment in which individuals are taking accountability for their health and in which health has become hip. People are aware of their habits, supporting one another in their healthy goals, and sharing in a culture that encourages and rewards healthy behaviors.

We’re excited about these results. They show that the programs work. That habits can change. And that changed habits and attitude can have a positive effect not only on health, but on health care costs. The results we see among our own employees further energize our commitment to share the tools, information and momentum among our members.

If you have questions our wellness programs, please talk with your Asuris Sales contact.

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