Insurers, employers offer incentives to promote healthful habits

Growing numbers of employers and insurance companies, struck by continued healthcare costs, are offering employees inducements to lead healthier lives. Advocates of the approach believe that preventive action will keep workers productive and hold down healthcare bills for expensive diseases like cancer and diabetes. Economists say it's too soon to tell whether rewards will be successful in the long run, but corporate leaders say the strategy is already paying off by helping to slow the growth of their medical costs. A national survey highlights that 58% of large employers are offering inducements this year to workers. That's up from 52% in 2010 and 49% in 2009. Insurers, employers offer incentives to promote healthful habits.

Source:Los Angeles Times

COPYRIGHT © 2010 KCAL INSURANCE