description button
contact summary button
evaluation button
documentation button
critique button
all winners page button
 


Northeast Utilities WellAware

Description

Goal

To improve the health and well-being of employees and families through participation in targeted programs and services that address lifestyle related health risks and to reduce health care costs.

Intervention

A Modifiable Claims Audit (MCA) evaluated 1992 health care claims to establish benchmark levels of lifestyle and behavior-related costs. The results showed that nearly 17% of Northeast Utilities (NU) 1992 health care claims were attributed to modifiable, lifestyle behaviors. Based upon established best of class health enhancement programs as well as the MCA findings, the WellAware program was designed. Annual refinements, are considered, evaluated and implemented. The key features of the program are:

  • financial incentives for participation
  • employees and spouses are eligible
  • strong senior management support
  • ongoing evaluation and re-design

The components of the program include:

  • Health Risk Assessment as the "ticket" into the program; available in paper or online
  • Incentive program drives participation in programs/services that address targeted risks
  • Telephonic high risk intervention
  • Secondary coronary artery disease (CAD) management program
  • Telephonic smoking cessation counseling and rebate for purchasing smoking cessation aids
  • Integration with internal departments (Health Units, Safety, EAP) and external partners (health plans, local hospitals, etc.)
  • Flexible program formats allow accessibility to all employees and spouses via on-site programs, communication of community programs, guidebooks, videos and telephonic intervention programs
  • Quarterly health newsletter mailed to all homes
  • Internet site allows access at both work and home
  • Toll free hotline allows participants to request materials, ask questions