MyHealth Survey 2018 Annual Review
WebMD, NRECA’s partner in wellness, has released the results for the 2018 MyHealth Survey. Approximately 4,600 NRECA Medical Plan participants completed the survey last year. These results provide us valuable insight on our population’s health. We can determine the prevalence of risk factors and identify trends, helping us better understand the needs of our population and design the most effective programs to improve the health and well-being of our participants.
Based on these results, NRECA cooperatives pay an average of $999 in excess medical costs annually per person for things that can be prevented, such as high weight, stress, tobacco use, or physical inactivity. Over the last year alone, we saw a $195 increase in absenteeism costs and a $76 increase in presenteeism costs (loss of productivity) per person per year.
Weight and Nutrition: Affecting nearly 75% of our population and growing each year, high Body Mass Index (BMI) continues to be our biggest modifiable risk factor. Benchmarked against WebMD’s book of business, we are at a 7% higher risk than other organizations. Poor eating habits show a 12% higher risk. Less than a quarter of our population report consuming the recommended servings of fruits and vegetables daily. These risk factors can increase the likelihood for numerous serious health conditions, including heart disease and diabetes.1
Blood Pressure: With over half our population affected, high blood pressure also poses a threat. Rising by 2% this year, we have an 8% higher risk prevalence than WebMD’s book of business. High blood pressure causes damage to the blood vessels, heart and other organs. If not properly controlled, it increases the risk for a more serious health problems, such as heart disease or stroke. Many preventable risk factors, like weight, physical inactivity, tobacco use, stress, or diet, contribute to the prevalence of high blood pressure.2
Mental Health: We are doing well in some areas. Based on the results, our risk for emotional health, sleep and stress especially have all reduced for our population and fall below WebMD’s book of business. Keep up the great work!
As you focus on developing programs to improve the overall health and well-being of your co-op, remember that the NRECA Medical Plan has a variety of resources to help you and your employees better manage their health and reduce their risk.
All co-ops and members participating in the NRECA Medical Plan have access to the following resources:
- MyHealth Coaches: Participants can work directly with a health coach to manage health conditions or learn more about lifestyle changes like weight loss or tobacco cessation
- MyHealth Manager: Participants can take the MyHealth Survey and use tools and resources to learn more about their health
- Life Strategy Counseling: Participants can work with mental health counselors for support with personal challenges
- Wellness Discounts: Participants can save on a variety of nationally recognized health and wellness vendors—and your co-op is eligible for discounts on Fitbits
Plus, co-ops participating in the Rewards for Life® program have three wellness challenges this year, Make Your Move, Slash the Sugar and Cooperative Concern for the Community.
View the full MyHealth Survey Management Report to learn even more about NRECA’s results, as well as view the seven recommendations made by WebMD to improve the overall health and well-being of plan participants.
If you have additional questions about the report, our programs or would like support for your wellness program, please contact the wellness team at wellnessprogram@nreca.coop or 703.907.6237.
110 Health Conditions & Diseases Linked To Obesity. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/diet/obesity/obesity-health-risks#1
2High Blood Pressure Facts, Causes, Tests, Risk Factors, and More. Retrieved from
https://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/guide/understanding-high-blood-pressure-basics#3