In a presentation to the Global Six Sigma Summit, CIGNA (health plan) CEO Ed Hanway made the link between good health and economic viability. This is one of the few times I have seen a health plan exec directly address the real reason employers should be concerned about health care – its impact on their workers’ productivity and therefore the employers’ success.
Considering that over 50 million workdays were lost due to a failure to receive needed care, and that this information has been out for years, it’s encouraging that a health plan CEO has recognized the role of health care in economic success.
Here’s a quote from Hanway’s speech…
“By improving the health and well-being of individuals, we create a more productive work force…By supporting a more productive work force, we contribute to a more competitive business community. By improving business competitiveness, we create a stronger economy. And by strengthening the economy, we build a stronger nation.”
Hallelujah.
Jul
11
Forget running CIGNA. The guy needs to run for office.
This common sense approach seems to have escaped most employers. They would rather rule by intimidation rather than make employees feel that they matter.Respect is a two-way street. I,fortunately have been lucky.
Actually, I think CIGNA would be better off if Hanway did run for office. His leadership of this organization is public record and it is not an impressive one!
Moreover, being wrong or ineffectual will hardly be noticed once he is in public office.
Nice being lectured to though!
Re: “preventive care”, it is a two way street. One actually has to go to the MD to receive it.
In my experience, coverage and education will NOT solve this problem. If you don’t believe me, simply go to your local McDonalds and watch sometime. Do these folks simply lack education on their health habits?