Study says wellness programs pay off

Blue Cross: Measures reduce employers' costs

North Carolina business owners might be looking for ways to trim costs, but the state's largest health insurer says wellness programs shouldn't be on the chopping block.

A study to be released today by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina showed that companies willing to make small investments in wellness initiatives such as paid time off for doctor's visits and health screenings in the workplace see long-term returns.

"The things that employees value the most aren't always the things that cost a lot of money, and in fact, it can be just the opposite," said Don Bradley, chief medical officer for Blue Cross. "You don't have to build a gym, but just give the opportunity to get outside and do some exercise."

The study showed that companies that offer comprehensive wellness programs see a 25 percent to 30 percent decrease in medical and absenteeism costs in about 3.6 years -- something Bradley said will be more significant to employers as health care costs continue to rise.

"I think we are beginning to see the tide change here," he said. "There's been a lot of cost-shifting to the employees, and it's really gotten to the point of, 'How much more can you cost-shift?' "

Blue Cross research showed that 4 percent of companies still do not offer any work site health promotions.

But employers will begin placing more emphasis on wellness programs as companies struggle to control health care costs, said John McDonnell, a partner in Progressive Benefit Solutions, an employee benefits consulting firm in Raleigh.

"They are beginning to see it because the costs are getting so exorbitant that they have to do it," he said. "It is a mindset change that is exploding in the marketplace right now. The economy's making it the biggest issue right now."