“Wellness Pays”— WCMC’s employee wellness program—has been extremely effective in promoting good health for WCMC employees and their families.  The program, managed by the hospital’s Healthworks department, educates and motivates participants to make healthy lifestyle choices that improve their overall quality of life, thereby creating a healthier community.  This incentive-based program is linked to employees’ medical insurance premiums.  For each of the four benchmark criteria, employees who meet the standard receive $5.00 off their insurance premiums per pay period.  WCMC has 24 pay periods per year, so for each of the criteria, an employee could have a yearly savings of $120.  A total of $480 off of insurance premiums is possible.  The four measurable criteria address cholesterol, blood pressure, body composition, and tobacco use (zero tolerance).   

This year, 1,036 associates participated.  The results were encouraging:

· 56.7% (588) -  passed the cholesterol ratio criteria

· 94.8% (983) - passed the blood pressure criteria

· 45.9% (476) - passed the body fat composition criteria

· 88% (910) - passed the no tobacco use criteria

Now, monthly screenings are held for new hires, and an average of 15 people participate.  Each person who chooses to participate is re-screened on a yearly basis. 

To help staff members meet the criteria to receive the incentives, “Wellness Pays” offers on-site fitness classes for a nominal fee.  These classes are held Monday through Thursday, and the start times vary.  Strength training, yoga, and total fitness are offered.  On-site massage therapy is available to associates. 

“Wellness Pays” was established to reduce healthcare costs, improve safety, increase awareness regarding healthier living, lower absenteeism, and raise productivity.  The program also provides education concerning nutrition, fitness, stress reduction, heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.