Alegent Health
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In 2006, Alegent Health, a health care provider and major employer in the Nebraska and southwestern Iowa communities, implemented its “Next Generation Health Plan,” a consumer-driven health care initiative, offered to its employees. |
The outcomes Alegent Health has experienced in the three year’s since the plan’s implementation serve as an example of the power consumers hold and the role they can play in reforming the nation’s health care system. In addition to slowing the increase in employee health care costs to an average of just 6% each year over the last three years, plan incentives have prompted widespread adoption of better health habits among employees. From weight management programs to smoking cessation programs, 91% of employees enrolled in personal health coach programs have graduated successfully earning financial incentives of up to $500.
These efforts, combined with Alegent Health’s self-reporting of 40 quality indicators to the Centers of Medicaid and Medicaid Services and its patented online price transparency tool, My Cost, have made the value proposition of health care readily available to Alegent Health employees and all Alegent Health consumers, empowering consumers to engage in their own healthcare.
Results
- The program has slowed the increase in employee health care costs to an average of just 6% each year over the last three years.
- Specifically, some 1,500 health plan participants have participated in weight management programs and lost a combined total of about 13,000 pounds.
- 500 health plan participants have completed smoking cessation programs.
- And 91% of employees enrolled in personal health coach programs have graduated successfully earning financial incentives of up to $500.
***Submitted by Pete Festersen, VP of Public Affairs, Alegent Health, Peter.Festersen@alegent.org
Published: January 26, 2009
