The Client

A Midwest-based, 100-bed hospital system with 30 affiliated clinics and approximately 1,500 employees.

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The Challenge

Leadership sought a comprehensive Population Health Management solution for their workforce. The long-term vision extended beyond employee health — they aimed to first establish a successful internal program and then expand into corporate and community health initiatives in the years that followed.

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The Strategy

Year One:
The organization introduced a premium reduction incentive for employees who completed biometric screenings and a Health Risk Assessment (HRA), establishing a health baseline for the population.

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Year Two:
The program transitioned to a results-driven model, incentivizing participants based on identified “predisease” risk factors derived from screening and HRA data. An external coaching vendor supported participants during this phase.

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Year Three:
The hospital expanded the program internally by developing its own Wellness Navigator team. In partnership with US HealthCenter and Health Coaches of America, staff members were trained and certified in wellness coaching protocols and motivational interviewing techniques.

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This strategic shift positioned the organization to extend services beyond employees. By year three, the hospital successfully launched its first corporate and community health clients — marking a major milestone in program evolution.

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The Results

• Participation among employees enrolled in the medical plan has averaged 80% over three consecutive years.
   

• Aggregate data was leveraged to strategically address the highest-risk exposures and potential cost drivers, including:

  • Back problems

  • Sedentary lifestyle

  • Depression, anxiety, and GERD

  • Obesity and weight management
     

• Personalized coaching from Wellness Navigators targeted both predisease risks and chronic conditions.
   

• Based on early aggregate findings, the hospital implemented a tobacco-free hiring policy, further reinforcing its preventive strategy.
   

Over a three-year period, the repeat participant population experienced a 38% improvement in Total Risk Burden, reflecting meaningful and sustained health improvement.