Public Employers Focusing More on Disease
Management
January 14, 2009 (PLANSPONSOR.com) -A recent health
care survey found the majority of public sector employers are
working to control costs by implementing disease management
and wellness programs, instead of introducing consumer-driven
health plans (CDHPs).
A news release from the the International
Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans (IFEBP) said more
than half of public employers who responded to the survey
indicate they have implemented a disease management (69%)
or a wellness program (65%). A much smaller percentage,
17%, have a consumer-driven health plan in place.
In comparison to the other employment sectors,
public employers were significantly less likely to offer
CDHPs. Corporate respondents stated they offer CDHPs at
more than double the rate of the public sector (39%),
while professional service firms are more than three
times as likely to have a consumer-driven plan in place
(59%).
"Although CDHPs have become common in the corporate
environment, many public sector plans do not see CDHPs as
a good fit for their organization-perhaps because the
greater out-of-pocket costs associated with CDHPs could
result in employees delaying needed care," said Sally
Natchek, Senior Director of Research at the IFEBP, in the
news release. "Instead, public employers are working to
control costs by implementing wellness and disease
management programs and building a foundation for
individual responsibility."
According to the announcement, the survey found
that 64% of public employers are taking an incremental
approach to overall cost management, with only a small
minority, 5%, indicating they are making significant,
dramatic changes. Public employers identified promoting
individual responsibility for health as the major factor
shaping their health care strategies.
Public employer respondents were the most likely to
state that helping workers enjoy better overall physical
health was a reason they offered a wellness program. The
most common wellness initiatives they offer include
health screenings, health risk assessments/appraisals,
flu shots, smoking cessation programs, health fairs, and
wellness education.
"Health Care Cost Control: Industry Approaches and
Attitudes"
(Item #6535E) is 57 pages and costs $100 (I.F.
Members $67). The publication is available as an e-book
only. To order visit
www.ifebp.org/books.asp?6535E
or contact the Foundation Bookstore at
bookstore@ifebp.org
or (888) 334-3327, option 4.
Fred Schneyer
editors@plansponsor.com