Health Care/Insurance
Providing affordable health insurance coverage for employees is a major concern and growing challenge to employers - large and small - in West Virginia. As a small business itself, the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce recognizes this problem and is working to find solutions for the state's business community. The Chamber is working with other in a collaborative effort, including leaders from all segments of the health care and pharmaceutical industries, labor groups and elected officials.
Two of the primary health care objectives of the West Virginia Chamber are 1) to help stop cost-shifting from public-sector health care programs to private employer plans, and 2) to gain the ability to provide an association-type health insurance plan to the state's business community.
Click to read facts about West Virginia's health insurance facts and health care recommendations.
Links to public-sector health insurance programs available to certain employers and employees:
West Virginia Small Business Plan
AccessWV
Workplace Wellness Ideas
Provided are worksite wellness suggestions for small businesses:
· Provide incentives, rewards to employees who participate in wellness activities (such as paying a portion of a health club/Y membership fee);
· Distribute educational materials or brochures on nutrition and wellness;
· Invite a local doctor or nurse to come in periodically to discuss wellness and nutrition;
· Create or subscribe to a “nurse advice line”;
· Encourage walking or physical activity, including possibly allowing this during working hours;
· Stock vending machines with low-fat or healthy options or have fresh fruits available at lunch areas;
· Organize and host an on-site health fair or health assessment/screening sessions;
· Establish a smoking cessation program; and
· Educate workers to the true costs of health care and encourage personal behavorial changes.
More information about worksite wellness programs can be found at the Wellness Council of West Virginia.