Focus on Employees
Health Reform Initiative
The Health Reform Initiative aims to reduce increasing health care costs by improving the quality of care people receive and improving the individual health of King County employees. The Health Reform Initiative includes a new benefit plan -- called Healthy Incentives℠ -- and provides case management, disease management, and outreach and education on how to Eat Smart, Move More and Quit Tobacco. From the Seattle Times:
Health is a Shared Responsibility. Op-ed by Ron Sims and Ron Williams, guest columnist.
Health heroes: Read their stories, see their videos
What do a transit base fitness fan, DDES belly dancer, Brightwater walk-aholic and Sherriff’s detective mom all have in common?
They’re all King County Health Heroes.
Your friends at the Health Reform Initiative are proud to announce the launch the “Health Heroes” section of our Focus on Employees web site. Read more.
Healthy Workplace Funding Initiative is back!
The 2008 budget includes departmental funding for the Healthy Workplace Funding Initiative (HWFI). This program sets aside $25 per benefits eligible employee for workplace improvements that support Eat Smart (good nutrition habits), Move More (physical activity) and Stress Less. Last year, workgroups used the funding for exercise classes (yoga, tai chi, Pilates, spinning), nutritional and stress management seminars, exercise equipment, small kitchen appliances, water delivery, fruit & vegetable delivery and more.
It is up to each department to determine how funds will be split among sections. Most divide the funds by workgroup. Employee input is essential to this program – if your workgroup hasn’t started talking about how to use these funds Now is the Time. The HWFI is intended to provide healthy benefits to workgroups all year long – so get your application in soon and start enjoying your purchases. Read More
Community Checkup report puts local treatment info into patient hands
King County employees are demanding more access to information about the level of care given by local health care providers.The Puget Sound Health Alliance has responded by creating the Community Checkup; a report measuring 21 types of care at major clinics throughout the region. Read more…

