A growing number of Americans are embracing wellness programs in the workplace to battle rising healthcare costs, according to the 2007 Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI) Health Confidence Survey (HCS).

The survey was released by the EBRI and Mathew Greenwald and Associates Inc. and was underwritten by the Principal Financial Group.

As employers increasingly encourage workers to adopt healthier lifestyles within the workplace, more than four out of five Americans (82 percent) say they have a positive view toward wellness programs. Another 76 percent of Americans agree employers who offer wellness programs are showing concern for their workers.

"The results show the tide is turning as Americans realize changing their behavior and adopting a healthier lifestyle is an effective cure for rising healthcare costs," said Jerry Ripperger, national practice leader of consumer health for the Principal Financial Group.

Americans were also asked about employer health plans that offer a reduction on health insurance premiums. Survey respondents were told workers under this plan would be required to take a physical. If no illnesses or at-risk behaviors were identified, the worker would qualify for a reduction on insurance premiums.

Workers with an identified illness or at-risk behavior would also qualify if they agree to take steps to manage their illness or lower their health risk.

Nearly three-fourths of Americans (72 percent) indicate they would be comfortable with such a program. Eighty-three percent of Americans say a wellness program would help them develop a healthier lifestyle.

Nearly three-fourths of Americans (70 percent) indicate they would be likely to participate in an incentive program if it reduced their health insurance premium by 5 percent, with 77 percent indicating they would participate if it reduced their premium by 10 percent.

"Wellness programs are rapidly expanding as employers recognize that not only is providing a comprehensive program simply the right thing to do for employees; it’s key to driving down healthcare costs. In fact, we’re seeing an average return of between $2 to $3 for every $1 spent among employers who have implemented a wellness program," noted Ripperger.

For the first time since 2004, the survey revealed that an increased number of Americans are making more cost-conscious decisions regarding their healthcare. Two-thirds of Americans (66 percent) indicate they are talking to doctors more carefully about treatment options and costs, up from 57 percent in 2006. More than three-fourths of respondents (81 percent) said they are trying to take better care of themselves. Rising healthcare costs have also led Americans to choose generic drugs, when available (78 percent), visit the doctor only for more serious conditions or symptoms (64 percent) and switch to over-the-counter drugs (42 percent).

Americans continue to give the U.S. healthcare system low ratings. Thirty percent of Americans rate the system as poor, nearly double since 1998. Not surprisingly, 71 percent of Americans indicate the U.S. healthcare system needs to be completely overhauled or needs major changes.

Yet more than half (55 percent) of Americans say they are extremely or very satisfied with the quality of their own health plan. One-third (33 percent) are somewhat satisfied and 12 percent are not satisfied.

Addresses: Employee Benefit Research Institute, 1100 13th St. NW, Suite 878, Washington DC 20005; (202) 659-0670, www.ebri.org. Principal Financial Group, 711 High St., Des Moines, IA 50392; (800) 986-3343, www.principal.com.

Source: Wellness Program Management Advisor, October 2007

© 2007 American Business Publishing