Health insurance expenses are the fastest growing cost component for employers. Premiums for employer-based health insurance rose by 6.1 percent in 2007 and have nearly doubled since 2000. Small employers saw their premiums, on average, increase 5.5 percent. Firms with less than 24 workers experienced an increase of 6.8 percent (The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation. Employee Health Benefits: 2007 Annual Survey. 11 September 2006).
The average annual healthcare cost per person in the United States far exceeds $3,000, and preventable illness makes up approximately 70% or more of the total costs of illness. A successful company, large or small, is always looking for ways to improve technology, enhance capital, and minimize costs and maximize return in order to gain maximal profit. Why should the health and productivity of the employee be any different? A healthy workforce minimizes health care costs to the employer, and maximizes the productivity of the employees in order to create a stronger, more profitable company.
Optimus is committed to helping employers find ways to reduce their claims through various cost-containment strategies. We recognize the value of preventing claims before they occur. As such, Optimus and The Insurance Group entered into a collaborative relationship with Nationwide Better Health ™ to establish the Optimus Health Promotion Program. This program delivers Nationwide Better Health's "best in class" program content and service delivery to employers based in the central Missouri area.
Statistics show that employee benefits continue to rise by as much as 8 to 10% per year and that 75% of all healthcare costs are preventable based on lifestyle risks. In addition, statistics have shown that employers set aside an average of 4.7% of their budgets for absenteeism.
