BONUS CASE STUDY WITH SOLUTION
Persuasive Action Request: Reducing Your Health Insurance Costs
As part of the management team at Bank of Westfield, you want to help your employees improve their health and reduce their health costs at the same time. Because the Bank of Westfield is a small company, its risk is greater than that of larger firms. Individuals with health problems have always paid more for health insurance. However, federal law requires that all employees who are covered by employer insurance programs must pay the same premium. That means that those with poor health cannot be charged more for insurance than those with good health. Recent legislation now allows some exceptions if employers offer wellness programs.
Working with its insurance carrier, the Bank of Westfield developed a plan that would enable employees to reduce their deductible $500 for each health benchmark the employee reached. For example, a nonsmoker receives a $500 deduction in the overall deductible of $2,500. Other benchmark categories are cholesterol, body mass index, and blood pressure. This should help quiet the grumbling that resulted last year when the insurance deductible jumped from $500 to $2,500.
All of the benchmarks are explained in a brochure provided by the insurance carrier. To get employees started, the Bank of Westfield wants them to fill out an application (before January 15) to see a fitness counselor who will develop a customized fitness plan for each employee who signs up. The company will provide literature, fitness programs, and counseling to help employees meet their benchmarks.
Your Task. For the signature of Melissa Mendoza, Human Resources, prepare a persuasive action request memo. Mention both direct and indirect benefits. Anticipate obstacles and provide answers to them. Close with an action request. Tell exactly what you want the receiver to do, and provide an extension number for anyone who has questions.
Source: Based on Knight, V. E. (2007, December 4). Employers tell workers to get healthy or pay up. The Wall Street Journal, p. D4.
| DATE: | Current |
| TO: | All Employees |
| FROM: | Melissa Mendoza, Human Resources |
| SUBJECT: | Reducing Your Healthcare Costs and Improving Your Health |
We know that all employees suffered when our health insurance deductible rose last year from $500 to $2,500. Now, however, we've worked out a plan with our carrier to help you save money. For every health benchmark you reach, you can reduce your deductible by $500. The benchmarks involve these categories:
• Cholesterol
• Body mass index
• Blood pressure
• Tobacco use
If you are a nonsmoker, for example, you receive a $500 decrease right away. The enclosed brochure explains the health goals you can reach to earn the lower deductible. In addition to reducing your out-of-pocket expenses, this plan brings you long-term health benefits that can mean a happier, healthier, and longer life. To help you learn how you can meet the benchmarks, we have literature, fitness programs, and counselors. The first step is signing up for a session with our fitness counselor to map out your customized plan.
Let's work together to reduce your healthcare costs and boost your fitness. Please return the enclosed application for a counselor's visit before January 15 so that you can get started on the road to a healthier you and enjoy an extra $2,000 in your pocket. Send your application to Melissa Mendoza, Human Resources. Call Extension 488 if you have questions.
Enclosure