Back Health & Wellness in 2013 Saturday, December 22, 2012 David Beeny If you’ve been watching the news lately, you know that there is a lot going on in the world of health care and health insurance. As we are all aware, the costs of health care have risen steadily over the last several years. Last year, the cost of FirstFleet’s medical plan exceeded $10 million. Over and above the weekly deduction from your paycheck, the Company contributes on average over $8,000 annually for each family covered by the plan. In an effort to control costs long-term and provide access to health care for all Americans, the Federal government has enacted a series of legislation including the Affordable Care Act. This legislation is commonly referred to as “Obamacare”. There is a great deal of uncertainty and debate as to the effectiveness of this legislation. Companies across the country are trying to assess the upcoming regulations (many of which are not yet written) and develop their plans for dealing with this new legislation. A number of companies have indicated the intent to discontinue providing group health coverage and place their employees in a government-managed pool. In fact, the current structure of the new law encourages exactly that plan. It is our belief at FirstFleet that this approach is not in your best interests and it is our intent to continue to offer options for private health care as part of the Company’s group health plan. The best way to control the increasing costs of health care is for each of us to take steps to become healthier or maintain our good health. Not only does this help in managing the cost of our health care, but it gives us the best chance to enjoy a long, productive and happy life with our family. Beginning in January 2013, FirstFleet is making available a comprehensive wellness program as part of the group medical plan. This program will include components to help you identify existing health issues and unhealthy habits and, through self-directed efforts and one-on-one coaching, to take steps to improve your health. The Company will be providing incentives for you to get active in the wellness program. Initially in 2013 these will be in the form of cash incentives and in future years in the form of preferred weekly rates for your medical coverage. However, ultimately for each of us the real incentive is in being able to maintain an active healthy life. I hope that you will join with me and take advantage of these new wellness opportunities. In the coming weeks, you will be receiving more specifics on how to access these tools. To a large degree, our health is a result of choices we make every day and I hope that you will choose to take this step toward a healthier life. Best wishes to you and your family throughout this Holiday season and may you have a happy, healthy and safe 2013. For more information please click here to review a PDF document that outlines in greater detail how the process will work. David R. Beeny Executive Vice President Related Articles Open Enrollment Begins Today! Friday, September 29, 2023 Read More Open Enrollment is Almost Over! Tuesday, September 29, 2020 Read More Open Enrollment Reminder Tuesday, September 29, 2020 Read More