Published: April 30, 2006

Healthcare Cost vs Investment: To Your Health

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The first Wisconsin company recognized as a leader in the long-term, healthcare investment of employees has earned The 2006 Alla Tua Salute© Award.

An unanimous decision from an expert panel of judges selected Miles Kimball Company of Oshkosh as The 2006 Alla Tua Salute© Winner.

In 2001, Miles Kimball Company conducted Health Risk Assessments to establish a benchmark of employee health. That benchmark provided such a poor picture of employee health that it shocked the management team, according to HR Manager Susan Boettcher.

The corporate snapshot showed 22% of the workforce as Low Risk, but 56% were Medium Risk; 18% were High Risk. Not exactly a picture of good health, management set out to minimize exposure to the risk.

With an aggressive approach, Miles Kimball turned it all around -- in just five years -- to become a remarkably healthier workforce: 63% are now Low Risk; 21% Medium; only 8% are High.

"The actual reward is that our healthcare costs have remained relatively flat over the past six years, with very minimal plan changes," Boettcher said. "The return has far out succeeded what we've invested."

In January 2006, Nicolet National Bank released its study of 600 CEOs and Business Owners on their perception of Health Risk Assessments (HRA):

--  HRAs are perceived to have significant positive benefits for the
    organization and employees.  Nearly all CEOs (97%) say HRAs are
    a good way to educate employees. (59% "Strongly Agree" that:
    "Health Risk Assessments are a good way to help educate employees
    about health;"  38% "Agree Somewhat".)

--  29% "Strongly Agree" with the statement:  "Health Risk Assessments
    are an effective way to help manage health care costs;" 58% "Agree
    Somewhat."

--  Most CEOs (87%) do not think HRAs are just a "feel good gimmick."

Alla Tua Salute© (To Your Health) is sponsored by IntellectualMarketing, LLC of Green Bay WI, and Lake Winnebago B2B Magazine of Oshkosh WI. Nominations were submitted from companies large and small; public/private; old/new.

Expert judges included: Dave Brand, benefit specialist, FirstChoice Insurance, Oshkosh; Sandy Mathy, president, @Butler&Co., Little Suamico-based health consultancy; Linda Pintar, president, Supreme Business Solutions; Appleton-based benefits consultant and Michael Bina, principal, IntellectualMarketing, LLC.

The Cover Story of the May Issue of Lake Winnebago B2B Magazine features The Miles Kimball Company Turnaround. Copies: sean@winnebagob2b.com; .

Next Year: Zu Ihrer Gesundheit and A su salud!