Employees happy with wellness program results

A majority of employees enrolled in wellness programs believe those arrangements are aiding them in lowering their health care costs, according to a new survey.

Sixty-two percent of 750 wellness plan participants responding to a survey last month by HealthMine Inc., a Dallas-based health care technology company, said the programs aided them in lowering health care costs, while 38% said the programs helped them in reducing their sick days.

“Healthier populations carry less risk, have fewer claims and lower premiums. So, it's true that wellness programs have the potential to improve health and lower costs for the entire population, one person at a time,” HealthMine CEO and President Bryce Williams said in a statement.

In addition, 62% of those responding to the survey, which was released last week, said all participants in their health care plan should join a wellness program.