Massachusetts Personal Injury Lawyer Blog

Corporations and Children's Defense Fund promote wellness health care

A New York Times article describes the efforts of corporations and businesses who are encouraging their employees to adopt healthier lifestyles in an effort to curb rising healthcare insurance costs.  According to the article, unhealthy employees cost employers money because they require more health benefits and medical services.

Wellness programs make more sense for employers because they concentrate on diet, nutrition, and exercise programs that will keep employees healthier.  According to the New York Times, three quarters of the money the nation spends on health care is for chronic health conditions.  By targeting employees' behavior, employers are hoping to cut their own costs for health care.  By filling out a survey or questionnaire, employees can understand their health risks and develop an individualized health care plan.  As they concentrate on healthy lifestyles like diet and exercise they will become healthier employees and cost their employers less in the long run, according to the New York Times article.

The Children's Defense Fund is advocating children's right to health care in the current debate about health care reform, and hoping that the 5-6 million uninsured children will be covered.

For more information, go to:

New York Times

Children's Defense Fund