Containing Health Care Costs Through Online Education

By Jane Smallman
Nursing Schools Columnist

For companies struggling with rampant health care inflation, keeping costs down has become a high priority. Healthy employees means a better bottom line, and one way in which management can encourage good health is through a "wellness program." Many are using online technology to bring health education to their staff.

Combating Rising Health Care Costs

According to recent surveys, containing booming health care costs is likely to be one of the biggest headaches for U.S. management during the coming year. Costs rose by 9.2% in 2005, and are forecast to rise again this year by an average of 9.9%.

The health of the workforce is reflected in company balance sheets. Employee absenteeism means that productivity suffers, so helping staff to get healthy -- and take care to stay healthy -- has become a management priority. Wellness programs are now receiving renewed attention, with many making use of online resources.

Cutting Health Care Costs Through A Wellness Program

A good employee wellness program is one way for management to fight rising health care costs. In order for it to work, however, it must provide:

• Health education -- so that staff know why certain behaviors can damage their health and how to change them
• Flexibility -- so that staff can set their own goals and work out a personal program

Exploiting online technology has enabled many companies to develop wellness programs that are both educational and flexible, and as a result more successful.

One simple way this has been done is to provide information online for employees to access when they want. A website like this might promote wellness by offering health education programs, details of health care benefits, health news and information about subjects like counseling or weight management.

Alternatively, companies can use specially written programs that enable employees to manage their own health care requirements using a variety of online resources.

With the challenge of containing health care costs, employee good health will become increasingly important for every employer, and using online technology to strengthen wellness programs will soon be the norm.

Sources

Risk and Insurance Monster Rutgers University

About the Author

Jane Smallman combines freelance writing with running a mountain guiding business with her husband. She has a Bachelor's and Master's degree in the Social Sciences.