City Council To Discuss Senior Tax Freeze Tuesday. See Our Legal Notices.

Alexander Says To Improve Americans’ Health, Connect Wellness Programs And Employer Insurance

  • Thursday, October 19, 2017

Senate health committee Chairman Lamar Alexander on Thursday said, “if we really want to focus on improving Americans’ health, why not connect the consensus on wellness to the insurance policies that 178 million Americans get from their job.” 

“There is remarkable consensus that a healthy lifestyle leads to longer and better lives, and reduces the nation’s health care costs,” said Senator Alexander. “Wellness programs that reward behaviors such as exercising, maintaining a healthy weight, or quitting smoking have the potential to save money and improve participants’ health.” 

Senator Alexander continued: “The Cleveland Clinic has said if you achieve at least four ‘normal’ measures of good health, such as a healthy body mass index, cholesterol and blood pressure, and you see a primary care physician regularly and keep immunizations up to date, you will avoid chronic disease about 80 percent of the time. This is important because we spend more than 84 percent of our health care costs, or about $2.6 trillion, treating chronic diseases.

“About 60 percent of insured Americans get their health insurance on the job, so it is hard to think of a better way to make a bigger impact on the health of millions of Americans than to connect the consensus about wellness to employer-based insurance for 178 million people.” 

The Senate health committee on Thursday held a hearing to look at what can be done to encourage people to make healthier lifestyle choices to help prevent serious illnesses and reduce health care costs. 

Under the Affordable Care Act, employers can offer premium discounts to employees who participated in wellness programs. 

Senator Alexander said, “It was one of the only parts of the ACA on which nearly everyone agreed.  Today’s hearing is about how successful that has been and what we can do to make it easier for employers to encourage their employees to lead healthier lives and reduce health care costs.” 

Senator Alexander’s opening statement is available here.


Living Well
“Moments Of Grace” Summit To Offer Support, Education And Hope For Dementia Caregivers
“Moments Of Grace” Summit To Offer Support, Education And Hope For Dementia Caregivers
  • 7/17/2025

The Lantern at Morning Pointe Alzheimer’s Center of Excellence, Chattanooga is hosting “Moments of Grace: A Memory Caregiver Summit” – a heartfelt event designed to empower caregivers with knowledge, ... more

Brightli And Centerstone Plan To Merge, Creating Nation’s Largest Nonprofit Provider Of Behavioral Health Services
  • 7/17/2025

Nonprofit behavioral health providers Brightli and Centerstone, have entered into a non-binding agreement with the intent to merge and create a unified organization. The due diligence process ... more

Charter Senior Living Of Chattanooga Celebrates $2 Million Grand Reopening With Community Event On July 31
  • 7/17/2025

Charter Senior Living announced its Grand Reopening Celebration following a transformative $2 million renovation. The event will take place on Thursday, July 31, from 4-6 p.m. at 825 Runyan ... more