In response to a request for additional federal aid by the U.S. auto industry, Concentra proposes a solution that can help reduce health care costs – a major contributing factor to the industry’s financial woes. Concentra, the nation’s largest provider of employer health care, brings to the table a proven, cost-effective program that will lower employee- and retiree-related health care costs, which stands to save the industry and U.S. taxpayers millions of dollars.

For years, the U.S. auto industry has been hampered by complex benefit programs and extensive employer health care costs in comparison to foreign auto manufacturers, including Japanese auto companies with production facilities in the U.S. According to a report by Bloomberg news, a comparison of American automobiles with foreign automobiles shows nearly $1,600 is added to the price of each American car to cover health care costs, whereas only $125 is added to the price of a foreign car for health care. That cost could shrink dramatically with the implementation of Concentra TotalCare™.

Concentra TotalCare is a comprehensive health management program that blends injury and illness care, occupational, environmental, and preventive health services to improve the health and well-being of employees. The program uses early intervention and behavior modification methods to identify potential health risks and promote healthy lifestyles, and focuses on employee health education and employee participation throughout. Some of the nation’s largest employers use Concentra’s TotalCare program to help improve their employees’ access to quality health and wellness services, reduce overall health care spending, reduce worker absenteeism, and develop a culture of health and wellness. Concentra’s TotalCare offering could help bring domestic automakers’ labor costs in line with Japanese manufacturers operating in the U.S.

“We understand the important role the American auto industry plays in the global marketplace and economic structure,” said Jim Greenwood, Concentra CEO. “Concentra welcomes the opportunity to work with the domestic auto manufacturers, the United Auto Workers union, and the various suppliers and distributors, to develop a solution that will improve health and reduce health care costs, in an effort to ensure future viability.”

TotalCare returns the doctor to the workplace with a focus on lowering health risks and preventing the onset of disease. Coupled with wellness professionals, Concentra delivers worksite health and wellness programs that are shown to yield an ROI of $5-6 per every $1 an employer invests into the program – Chapman Study 2005. The key to this model is the effectiveness of face-to-face engagement and support to employees desiring to improve their overall health and well being. Numerous studies conclude that as an employee population’s health improves, absenteeism and productivity drastically improves as well. By making Concentra’s solutions available to the numerous employees who support the U.S. auto industry, domestic automakers could significantly reduce their overall corporate expenses.

So far, the majority of the U.S. auto industry restructuring plans have focused on job reduction, smaller product lines, and reduced marketing efforts. Experts say health care costs are central to reducing operating costs and returning the domestic auto companies to profitability and long-range success.

“In difficult times like these, there are few easy decisions for companies who are trying to remain competitive,” added Greenwood. “Concentra presents an opportunity to significantly impact employer health care costs while improving the health, productivity, and satisfaction of employees.”

During the past 30 years Concentra has been the country’s leading provider of occupational health care, advancing the treatment of workplace injuries, along with a range of physical therapy and rehabilitation services, and other employment-related health care services. Today, Concentra TotalCare presents a new option in employee health care by targeting the behaviors and issues that lead to poor health and chronic conditions; at the same time, it yields a cost-savings to employers. TotalCare is completely customizable to meet the unique needs of each workforce, including the complexities of the auto industry.

For more information about Concentra TotalCare™ and to learn how this comprehensive new program can enhance an existing health benefits program, visit ConcentraTotalCare.com or contact us.