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| > Join the Chamber > Membership Benefits > Chamber Insurance Trust > Health Plan Wants To Help Employer Into Wellness Driver Seat |
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Health Plan Wants To Help Employer Into Wellness Driver Seat
ConnectiCare will begin offering its Wellness Program free to small businesses that sign-up for insurance through a participating Chamber of Commerce. In responding to the desire of small business owners to have more control over healthcare costs, ConnectiCare is expanding efforts to bring wellness programs to company worksites.
"Healthcare benefits have become an integral part of business planning and often at the executive decision level. ConnectiCare wants to provide small businesses with practical solutions to impact employee healthcare costs in the short and long term. Wellness programs were once seen as just an added benefit for employees. They are now, not only a tool for employee satisfaction, but for the company to become financially fit," said Patrick Yung, VP and Chief of Staff of Marketing at ConnectiCare.
Small business owners are seeking ways to be actively involved in reducing their healthcare costs in their workforce. Our wellness programs empower small business owners to encourage healthier employees, who will ultimately use less high-cost healthcare. According to the Journal on Occupational and Environmental Medicine, every dollar invested in health promotion will save the employer $3.14 in healthcare costs in return.
"Employers who see their employers as long term assets are even more likely to be involved in these programs as the investment of wellness grows over time. Small business owners are feeling the most burden from healthcare inflation and these programs satisfy a need to be more involved in controlling cost," says Teresa Athas, who runs ConnectiCare's Wellness Programs.
ConnectiCare's Wellness Programs are designed around on-site training and screening. "Being at the workplace makes it easier for the employees to participate and shows the commitment of the company to the program," says Athas.
Worksite wellness programs are estimated to save employers $80-$225 per employee each year. ConnectiCare's wellness programs work to change unhealthy habits and focus on the primary drivers of health costs. Employers can choose from a variety of programs including Stress Management, Blood Pressure Screenings, and Sleep Counseling.
"We expect the Wellness Program to boom in popularity," says Athas. "More and more companies are making a decision to be pro-active with their employees' health as part of their employment." ConnectiCare has had continual growth in its health and wellness programs over the last six years, accounting for a 45% increase in groups and employees served since 2001.
All small businesses with 10 or more employees who have insurance through a participating Chamber of Commerce are eligible for this program. Groups with less than 10 employees can purchase a program at an affordable price through ConnectiCare.
ConnectiCare is a managed care company based in Farmington, Connecticut and a member of the HIP Family of Health Plans. ConnectiCare serves nearly 240,000 members. The company was home-grown in Connecticut and has over 500 employees who reside mainly in the Hartford area.
ConnectiCare was ranked 6th in the nation by U.S. News and World Report in its list of America's Best Health PlansŪ 2005 as ranked by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). ConnectiCare is the only Connecticut health plan listed in the top ten.
Visit our website: www.connecticare.com
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