City Offers Workers Wellness Program With Penalty for Not Participating

By Samantha Abernethy in News on Sep 16, 2011 3:40PM

The city is offering a wellness program for city employees that is similar to those offered by private sector health insurance programs. And as a penalty for not participating, city employees will pay an extra $50 per month for their insurance programs.

"You can't ask the public to pay for something that you need to take responsibility (for)," Emanuel told the Tribune. "We will help you be a good steward of your health, but if you choose not to, you'll pay that price, and that's the price you'll pay."

The wellness program would offer help for managing obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and smoking cessation. Those who succeed in the program could see price reductions. The city hopes to save $240 million in insurance costs with the program.