Okaloosa County BOCC — October 4, 2016 — Introduction to BlueRewards Incentive Program — agenda request

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AGENDA REQUEST DATE: October 4, 2016 TO: Honorable Chairman and Members of the Board FROM: Laura Porter SUBJECT: Introduction to BlueRewards Incentive Program DEPARTMENT: Risk Management BCC DISTRICT: ALL STATEMENT OF ISSUE: Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners is partnering with Florida Blue to offer a health incentive program to drive participation and engagement in wellness activities as a means to improve employees’ overall health and well being. BACKGROUND: Based on the 2016 Health Screening Report provided by Florida Blue that summarizes risk factors for the total population of Health Fair participants, 83% of the participants are at risk of being overweight or obese; 76% are at risk for high blood pressure and 80% are at risk for diabetes. In addition, 21% of participants currently use tobacco products. These numbers are staggering and directly impact the cost of health insurance coverage for Okaloosa County employees. A growing body of evidence strongly supports the idea that employers who invest in wellness for their employees will receive a positive return. According to a study conducted by Harvard University, on average, medical costs fall by an average of $3.27 for every dollar spent on employee wellness programs. In addition, employers who offer comprehensive employee wellness programs receive additional benefits related to engagement and productivity, improved morale among employees, higher rates of talent retention and greater ability to attract quality workers. BlueRewards is a workplace incentive program designed by Florida Blue that makes wellness both rewarding and fun by helping employees take steps toward a better lifestyle. Good lifestyle habits help lower the risks that can lead to chronic health diseases and reduce health care costs. The program is designed to drive participation and engagement in wellness activities throughout the year. Employees receive points for attending the annual health fair and obtaining ideal biometric outcomes, participating in physical activities, and attending classes, (including tobacco cessation). Wellness programs will be made available onsite, online and telephonically. 50 points equals $50.00. A maximum of $150.00 annually can be earned. Payouts will occur on a quarterly basis through the payroll system. The new contract with Florida Blue provides wellness funds of $100,000 the first year and $50,000 each subsequent year with renewals through October 2018, for wellness activities and/or programs. These dollars will be utilized for the BlueRewards program. The Board requested options for moving towards a tobacco free workplace, while also promoting overall health improvement for employees. This program serves as a first step towards those goals. We believe BlueRewards will be successful and will address tobacco cessation as well as other health and lifestyle concerns, and in addition, could prove to be beneficial for budgets and productivity. OPTIONS: N/A RECOMMENDATIONS: For informational purposes only; no action required. RECOMMENDED BY: APPROVED BY: John Hofstad, County Administrator