Northeast Utilities WellAware

Critique

Four salient factors in this program that particularly caught the attention of the reviewers were the exceptional smoking quit rates (44%), the number of participants (including spouses), the overall accessibility of the program (on-line, onsite, telephonic, take-home materials), and the comprehensive risk reduction program. The use of financial incentives was lauded.

Although overall results were impressive, reviewers wondered why they had not been externally reviewed. Cost savings estimates were based on Staywell risk factor/cost reduction extrapolations versus actual data and claims impact was estimated based on risk reduction rather than that of actual claims. Reviewers would also have liked to see more information on the incentive programs.

This program was generally thought of as very strong and successful with a broad range of focused programs, significant cost reductions, and evidence of health improvement across programs.