Although we are aware that our bodies are spiritual temples, we do not treat them that way. Instead of honoring our bodies, we mistreat them by adhering to poor eating habits and basking in physical stagnation. These two factors alone have been a major factor in the continued rise of preventable deaths. The numbers are staggering. The latest numbers reported by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC.gov) confirm that more than 129,180 Americans died from stroke, a stress related disorder. 68,905 Americans died from type II diabetes, 573,855 from cancer, and the number of Americans who died from heart disease is no better. More than 595,444 Americans died from heart disease in 2010 at a total cost of $190 billion. Although 2011–2013 statistics have not been released, the numbers are projected to increase. The data poses many challenges and concerns for government and corporate America. That is why The Affordable Care Act of 2010 was such a crucial piece of legislation and corporate wellness programs are on the rise. 30 THE WHOLE TRUTH
Affectionately known as Obama Care, the major goal of the Affordable Care Act is to provide insurance to all Americans and to reduce the overall cost of medical spending. Although skeptics contend that Obama Care will increase the cost of medical insurance, prior to 2013, significant Obama care mandates resulted in better health care for many individuals. Obama Care ensured that: • Individuals could not be denied coverage for preexisting conditions. • Children under the age of 19 could not be classified as having preexisting conditions. • Children under the age of 26 could stay on their parents’ insurance. • For non-grandfathered corporate plans, physicals, well woman’s exams and colonoscopies were made available, free of charge, to the insured. 2013 ushered in Health Insurance Exchanges (HIX). The exchanges are open to low to middle income Americans, provide a reduction in Medicare Part D (aka the doughnut hole), and eliminate employer’s deduction for Part D retiree drug subsidies. If you have medical insurance coverage through your place of employment, chances are you have seen some significant changes in your health plans over the past several years. As medical costs continue to rise, employers and insurance companies are partnering
together and offering wellness initiatives to mitigate the high cost of health care. Many employers incentivize employees to participate in wellness programs through prevention and intervention programs. Some programs are punitive while others offer rewards. For example, in exchange for a lower premium, your employer may request you to attend training if you have a chronic health condition, participate in a biometric health screening or take a personal health assessment (PHA). Biometric screenings consist of a short health examination to determine your risk level for certain diseases and medical conditions. The exam may include a blood draw. The blood would be tested analyzed for diseases and illnesses that carry a high risk factor. A health risk assessment is less invasive. Participants complete a scientifically designed survey or questionnaire to identify health risks. The data also outlines information to assist you in making changes that positively impact your health and can help mitigate chronic diseases. Although many employees see this as “big brother” intervention, such programs make sense for you and your employer. Employers benefit from higher productivity, decreased absenteeism and lower costs. You may benefit by inheriting a longer life span and a better quality of life. If administered properly, biometric screens and the PHA can help determine your risk factors and provide you with a baseline for devel-