I just came across
this article about employers lowering health care costs by getting their employees in shape, which is nothing new really (you'll find many articles in the
Wellness community that pertain to this very topic) but every time I see these case studies and the overwhelming positive result, I have a
DUH moment.
Now what is so hard about realizing healthier people = lower health costs?
If you want real health care reform, you can start with this tactic right here-- encouraging preventive care through wellness education and motivation.
From my perspective, letting the employee/patient/consumer foot the bill on their own preventive care will most likely open their eyes to how costly those unhealthy habits really are-- maybe give 'em enough motivation to jump on the treadmill, skip the Big Mac, and take their vitamins daily.
What do you think?
Further reading on Employee Wellness:
Work-site Wellness
The Solution to Lowering Health Care Costs? Keep Your Employees Healthy.
Creating a Culture of Health (Johnson & Johnson case study)
Case Study: An Integrated Wellness Program Centered Around a PHR