Take Charge of Your Health to Pay Less for Health Care

King County has instituted the "Healthy Incentives" program to create a culture of self-care among county employees. It ties the cost of health care to the commitment their workers make to take better care of themselves through diet and exercise. The principle behind this is that these wellness-focused employees will have fewer lifestyle-based chronic illnesses, which cost more in terms of medical costs, absentee rates, and personal tragedies. Although health care costs are on the rise, instead of passing on a higher share of health care cost to employees, the program actually lowers costs for those people who do the work of self care, taking part in health-enhancing activities. Not everyone is thrilled about the program because of the levels of accountability involved, but others are glad someone is holding them to their commitments.

For more info, click on the Seattle Times article link below:

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/health/2008798417_wellness01m.html

Editor of AGNADL