How Can Employers Reduce The Impact Of Healthcare Reform?
Mon, Sep 14, 2009
Employee Wellness, Employer Health Costs, Featured, Healthcare Costs, Onsite Health Clinic
Predictably, many companies are worried that the healthcare reform being debated in Washington will significantly increase their employer healthcare costs.
And, just as predictably, many companies plan to pass these rising costs on to their employees. 
I would argue that shifting these costs will only increase them, both for you and for your employees. Wouldn’t it be better for everyone involved to lower employer healthcare costs through onsite health clinics and employee wellness programs?
By increasing employee deductibles, co-pays and maximum out-of-pocket expenses, you’re shifting costs that have already been incurred: event-centered expenses that result from your employees accessing healthcare services.
By providing primary care in an onsite health clinic, you treat minor illnesses and injuries on a lower fixed cost basis, and can identify potential disease risks early enough to intervene.
And, by providing health screenings, risk assessments and other wellness programs, you incentivize your employees to live healthier lifestyles, reducing their need to access medical services. This not only lowers employer healthcare costs, it improves productivity and increases morale.
Consider the millions of dollars companies spend each year to maintain their equipment and ensure that it operates at peak efficiency. It’s an investment they’re willing to make, since they can’t afford for the equipment to break down.
Aren’t your employees just as essential to your operation? Wouldn’t a targeted investment in their health also significantly contribute to your company’s efficiency? Isn’t it time for a little more carrot, and a lot less stick?
The alternative is an unhealthy employee population that struggles to afford basic healthcare. And, as their health deteriorates, they’re forced to access more expensive care. Primary care becomes episodic care … episodic care become emergency care (a portion of which straps your employees, and a larger portion of which you still pay for).
I understand how difficult it is for companies to absorb increasing employer healthcare costs in this uncertain marketplace. But shifting these costs to your employees isn’t the answer.
Using onsite health clinics and wellness programs to reduce these costs is. It’s healthcare reform we can believe in.
Scott is the VP, Sales and Marketing at Workplace Health Services. In this role Scott strives to integrate a complex group of service offerings into a simple to understand package for prospects and clients.
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