Medical Risk Reduction Strategy - Adding Value to Wellness Programs

Like many employers, Genesis Health System faced the prospect of reducing employee health benefits and increasing employee premiums to respond to rapidly rising health care costs. Genesis leaders refused to accept this as a solution. They partnered with a trusted advisor and implemented a wellness program designed to lower the production of disease by improving the health of their employees. Their goal was to keep healthy employees from becoming one of the 5% of plan participants that drive 60% of cost in any given year.
The solution that was identified included annual screenings for Metabolic Syndrome risk factors and an education program for individuals with three or more of the five risk factors. Studies have shown that individuals with three or more of the Metabolic Syndrome risk factors have an elevated risk for diabetes, heart disease, stroke and other life-threatening or life-altering illnesses. These are also high cost claimants.
How did Genesis make this program work? All adults covered by the medical plan are offered an annual biometric screening for the Metabolic Syndrome risk factors. Those with three or more of the risk factor are encouraged to take advantage in an educational program that is proven to mitigate the Metabolic Syndrome risk factors and participate in a post class re-screening. A significant financial incentive is available for individuals that comply with the program requirements. Beginning in 2012 at risk individuals have to reduce their risk to earn the incentive.
This program has allowed Genesis Health System to virtually eliminate medical trend in their plan. In addition they are reduced inpatient hospitalization admission rates an average of 23% over a four-year period. Their pharmacy cost per employee decreased 15% over the same time period. This has proven to be a huge success, and they are willing to share their vision with others.
This session will help you to examine your current wellness program. It will give you the opportunity to evaluate if you are improving the health of your employees through risk reduction.

HR Professionals, Wellness Managers, Nurses or other Health Care Providers

1. What is Metabolic Syndrome and how it impacts health care costs. 2. Why traditional wellness programs do not give you great return on investment. 3. How Genesis instituted the Naturally Slim Program, its challenges and successes and future plans for reducing risk and improving the health of their employees.

National Heart, Lung, Blood Institute (2009) Harmonizing the Metabolic Syndrome. Circulation.120. 1640 - 1645 Bray, G (2007). Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity. New Jersey: Human Press

		Steven Johnson Genesis Health System View Profile

		Jan Treftz-Allen Genesis Health System View Profile