Health insurance is EXPENSIVE

U.S. spent $2.9 trillion on healthcare in 2013 – California health care foundation

 Health Insurance costs account for 31% of a company’s total employment costs – (The wellness council of America) 

Unhealthy lifestyles result in PREVENTABLE conditions that cost BILLIONS

 The total estimated cost of diagnosed diabetes in 2012 is $245 billion, $176 billion in direct medical costs and $69 billion in reduced productivity. – Diabetes Association 2013

Researchers estimate  75% of healthcare costs stem from preventable chronic health conditions as diabetes, hypertersion, and obesity – National Business Group On Health

 By 2018, it is estimated that obesity-related healthcare expenses will cost the U.S. $344 billion annually – President’s Council on Fitness  

Preventable conditions bleed companies with healthcare costs and productivity losses

A 2009 study by Dr. Ronald Loeppke among 50,000 workers showed lost productivity costs are 2.3 x higher than medical and pharmacy costs – Harvard Business Review

 Obese workers filed 2x the number of workers’ compensation claims, had 7x higher medical costs, lost 13x more days of work from work injury or work illness – Duke Medicine

U.S employers spend $1,685 per employee per year, or $225.8 billion annually on productivity losses due to employee and family health problem.  – Centers for Disease Control

Wellness programs help employers lower cost of healthcare, while increasing productivity and employee satisfaction

Organizations with highly effective wellness programs report significantly lower voluntary attrition than do those whose programs have low effectiveness (9% vs. 15%) – Harvard Business Review

 Medical costs decrease approximately $3.27 for every $1 a business spent on wellness programs - 2013 Aflac WorkForces Report

 

 Analysis of 42 published studies of work site health promotion programs showed that companies that implemented an effective wellness program realized significant cost reductions and financial gains, including - Institute For HealthCare Consumerism

  • 28% reduction in sick days
  • 26% reduction in health costs
  • 30% reduction in workers’ compensation and disability management claims

 

And the experts agree

More than 90% of business leaders say that promoting wellness can affect employee productivity and performance – Health Enhancement Research Organization

Aflac found 92% of the companies surveyed with wellness programs agreed that these programs are effective -2012 Aflac WorkForces Program 

44% of the nation’s companies boast company-sponsored wellness programs, compared to just 30 percent in 2011 - 2013 Aflac WorkForces Report