Nine out of fifteen employers participating in the Kansas City Collaborative announced saving nearly $11 million in direct healthcare costs by utilizing value-based benefits. The project focused on providing employees with health information, encouraging and enabling preventive care, beginning treatment for chronic disease early and reducing health risks.
The project, led by the Mid-America Coalition on Health Care, lasted 3 years. Best practices research and industry-specific data trends were used to redesign benefits to foster employee health. Preventive screenings, health behavior changes and other evidence-based practices which were effective were implemented for employees and their dependents.
"By implementing a value based approach to health benefit design, this group of employers has been able to better address worker health and productivity while also lowering overall health care costs," said MACHC president and CEO Christine T. Wilson.
Results included an estimated $194 saved per employee by reducing the amount spent on chronic conditions. All of the employers added healthier cafeteria and vending machine options and 89 percent helped employees increase physical activity using measures such as on-site fitness facilities.
Employee incentives included reduced premiums and co-pays for those who enrolled in chronic disease management, completed a Health Risk Assessment, obtained an annual physical or otherwise improved preventive measures and reduced their health risks.
