WINSTON, Salem, N.C.-While most CUs likely face another large premium increase for employee health insurance, one credit union expects its costs to remain stable-if not decline-for the next benefits year.
Allegacy FCU instituted a new wellness program in November 2010 aimed at getting its staff in better shape through customized health programs tailored to the needs of its employees. As a result, staff are in better shape and AFCU's health insurer is noticing.
"The consensus among employers here is that health insurers will hit companies with a 9% premium increase for the next benefits year," said Ashley Kohlrus, human resources VP. "We are not going to see that."
What has pleased and surprised Allegacy is that its revamped AllHealth wellness program produced results so quickly. Kohlrus said that benefits providers agree that it takes a minimum 18 months to begin seeing marked improvement in overall staff health and reduced premiums and other benefits, such as improved staff productivity.
AllHealth participation results are well above average for more established programs, stated Kohlrus. Almost immediately 81% of employees began participating. "Out of that participation number, 88% met their 2011 first quarter incentive criteria," she said.
For the first quarter of 2011:
* 56 employees lost 1 to 5 pounds.
* 13 employees lost 6 to 10 pounds.
* 8 employees lost 10 to 20 pounds, with 15 pounds being the most lost by one person.
Partner With Medical Center
AllHealth established a unique partnership with a local medical center through which medical professionals and wellness coaches provide employees with personal attention and customized wellness programs. Biometric screenings determine benchmarks regarding blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose levels, and on-site wellness coaches help with goal-setting and track results.
The AllHeatlh upgrade also included a fitness center expansion, telephone services for employees unable to attend on-site services, walking programs, on-site personal trainers, intramural volleyball and softball teams, 5K training sessions, monthly lunch 'n learns, online webinars, and financial and paid-time-off incentives to meet wellness goals.
Next, Allegacy is adding behavioral services and hospice counseling to address emotional wellness. "Our wellness program is an evolution of the organization's culture to communicate, educate, and motivate our employees through promoting healthy lifestyle choices and providing programs and incentives that encourage our team to keep well," Kohlrus explained.
The $900-million CU has not evaluated the costs of the changes because it insists the benefits clearly outweigh the expense. "Not only will we pay lower health insurance premiums, we are seeing improved staff productivity and reduced absenteeism," said Kohlrus. "Plus there is even better camaraderie among our staff, not only about getting their jobs done, but in helping each other reach their individual wellness goals."
