TITLE
Recommendation to, by motion of the City Council, direct City Manager to establish an Employee Wellness Committee to utilize the employee wellness programs offered without charge by the City's health care insurance provider, Anthem Blue Cross.
DISCUSSION
Annually, the City budgets approximately $55.6 million dollars for healthcare coverage. The City of Long Beach has recently changed its healthcare coverage provider and contracted with Anthem Blue Cross, whose premiums are adjusted based upon the number of medical claims submitted.
The largest costs of healthcarefor any employer are a result of chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. Obesity and use of tobacco products add to increased medical costs and loss of productivity at work.
The City Council has recently passed several community health initiatives stating: "The City of Long Beach should do all it can to encourage exercise, nutritious food, and healthful lifestyle choices." While this policy focus has been entirely on our schools and community, helping our own city employees improve their health is one of the best longterm strategies for reducing the City's health care costs. When employees are healthy, productivity increases and insurance premiums or total medical costs may be reduced.
Anthem Blue Cross offers a number of services to employers to engage employees in getting and staying healthy. The attachment outlines not only the free programs available for enrollees but also a guide for employers on how to implement these programs at the workplace. http://www.scribd.com/doc/85779608/Employer-Guide-to-Wellness-in-the-Workplace
Residents can utilize America on the Move - a non-profit website that provides information on how to get and stay healthy, including a free email alert reminder that gives you daily tips on healthy lifestyles.
https://aom3.americaonthemove.org/
We Need to Be the Leaders:
Anthem Blue Cross recommends that in order for a "healthy employee" effort to be s...
Click here for full text