Obesity is causing several health insurance companies to raise their premiums to pay for the constant medical care these individuals require. The costs related to heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension, and stroke among obese individuals are $10,000 higher than non-obese individuals. Studies have shown that a 10 percent reduction in body weight can save an individual $2,200 – $ 5,300.
The obese individual will pay higher medical costs, but the premiums do not depend on weight. Since premiums are done in a group calculation method, average, healthy individuals have paying for the poor health decisions of their coworkers. A few health insurance companies have begun working with employers to implement health improvement programs to lower insurance costs. If your company is actively involved in a health improvement program then you are taking a large step toward lowering your health insurance premiums.
In order to decrease health insurance costs, certain health levels must be met. Each employee in your organization must undergo an routine physical examination once a year. A routine check up will help your insurance provider know what the current fitness level is at your company and the future medical expenses of your staff.
Prevention is the key to decrease health insurance costs. Host yearly vaccinations at your company, providing flue shots to your staff members and other vaccinations will help your health insurance premium.
A person is considered overweight if they are 20 pounds heavier than the recommended weight level for their age and height. This individual will be considered obese if their body mass index is higher than 30. If your company is fortunate enough to have employees who fall within the recommended range for their BMI, then your health insurance costs will be lower.
There are a few things you can do at your office to help your employees achieve better health levels. Start with the snack section at your company. If you have a vending machine, consider replacing the potato chips, candy bars, and sodas with water, dried fruit and peanuts. Instead of serving doughnuts at company meetings, serve fresh fruit or bagels. Replace the coffee pot with milk or 100% fruit juice.
Of course health isn’t only obtained through diet alone; exercise is also required in order to achieve recommended health levels. Allow your employees flex time in their daily schedule to take a walk or go to the gym. Create a small gym in your building if you have room for it. If you don’t, stick some exercise balls in the break room and encourage your employees to use them. Replace the office chairs with exercise balls to encourage better posture and health.
Encourage activities that decrease stress. Since stress has been linked to a number of different medical problems, it is in your company’s best interest to provide meditation or break time. Host daily “nap time” sessions in the break room where employees are encouraged to relax by closing their eyes for 15 minutes.
Offer rewards to employees who make efforts toward improving their health. If you can, reward your employees with money for losing weight, quitting smoking, or doing anything that will improve their health. If your company has a health savings account, reward them by matching the amount of money they are putting into the account. You will be impressed by how hard your staff members will work toward health improvement if there is a good incentive.
Another thing you can do as an employer is offer weight loss or active monthly or quarterly activities. Host a walk-a-thon for the company or create company sports teams. No matter what you do, keep it fun for your employees so they will want to participate.