Thursday, September 22, 2005
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Announces Program to Help Identify Employees’ Health Risks
JEFFERSON CITY—Gov. Matt Blunt today announced a program for state employees that will identify their personal health risks and help them address those risks so they will be healthier and less likely to need expensive medical care. The program, known as Lifestyle Ladder, is a component of the Missouri Consolidated Health Care Plan (MCHCP), state government’s employee health insurance program.
"Many diseases can be prevented or improved by personal lifestyle choices," Blunt said. "Lifestyle Ladder will identify the specific health risks an employee faces, and give that individual the education and support needed to address those risks and improve their health."
Blunt said state employees will be encouraged to participate in the first step, an online Personal Health Analysis, which will take place throughout the month of October. Employees will answer questions in the analysis, and then will receive immediate feedback on any health risks they are facing. The information is strictly confidential and will not be shared with employers or anyone else.
Employees who are found to have health risks that put them at moderate or high risk of poor health outcomes will be given the opportunity to go further in the program. In the next step, beginning in January, professional health coaches will provide one-on-one personal counseling, help the employee set attainable health goals, share relevant educational materials and support the employee’s efforts with encouragement and motivation. Some of the health risks most likely to be addressed include losing weight, getting fit, lowering cholesterol, quitting smoking, managing blood pressure, managing stress and managing low back pain.
A contractor, Gordian Health Solutions, Inc., will administer the program, according to Ron Meyer, Executive Director of MCHCP. Meyer said Gordian has had success with this approach in other states.
"The Missouri Consolidated Health Care Plan is very pleased to move beyond providing health coverage for state employees to helping employees improve their health," Meyer said. "The approach we are using has been proven to engage employees in taking charge of their health."
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