Health Insurance Options

Rockie

Did any of you radically change your health care plan this past year?

Because of huge rate increases, we will be looking at making some changes in health care for next year...either changing our vendors, going to self-insured, etc.

If any of you have any "words of wisdom", they would be appreciated.

SMace

I think wisdom from me is debatable. However, our focus has changed from plan design (still important, but we've done all we can do) to trying to help people become healthier and to change ee's mindset from "Insurance will pay for it" to "I want to be a smart consumer when shopping for health care". We have nothing in the works yet regarding the consumer issue (just brainstorming) but we are currently trying to incent ee's not to smoke, to exercise and get a physical every year. We are also aggressively pursuing diabetes, heart disease, asthma and back pain. If you need more info, let me know.

HGHAHR

This was a topic on a listserv recently. One of the other HR folks shared with us an idea for giving incentive for participating in ee wellness programs. At the suggestion of their insurance carrier, they will maintain their contribution to health ins. costs for all ee's. However, they will continue to pay 100% (i.e. increase contribution) to those ee's that actively participate in their ee wellness program. Don't know logistics, but sounds like an innovative idea.