State employees paid to improve their health

On Jan. 18, about 4,000 state employees received the first installment of incentive payments to undergo health assessments and screenings and find ways to exercise, lose weight, stop smoking and reduce stress. (Source: "Cashing in on healthful lifestyles," Columbus Dispatch, Jan. 17, 2008.) Overall, the state will spend $10 million on the "Take Charge, Live Well" program through June 30, including $5 million to providers for tests and screenings, personal health coaching and a nurse advice line. While 84,000 employees and spouses are eligible for the $200 cash incentives, state officials expect participation to be far lower.

Hugh Quill, director of the Ohio Department of Administrative Services, expects the state's $10 million investment to result in a $35 million annual savings on health care costs after two to three years, along with producing healthier and more productive work force. The state will spend $468 million on employee health care this fiscal year, an 82% increase over the $257 million spent in fiscal year 2000.