An Analysis of Services Offered by Comprehensive Wellness Vendors in Washington State

Abstract

Unhealthy lifestyles continue to drive preventable morbidity and mortality in the United States, causing unnecessary suffering alongside enormous healthcare costs (McGinnis, 1993; CMS, 2014). Because employers are a major player in our health insurance payment structure, many companies have taken steps to invest in their employees’ health. While most large employers have already implemented wellness programs, smaller companies face greater barriers and are slower adopters (Mattke, 2014). This research aims to increase awareness of wellness programs available to smaller employers, in order to improve transparency for the employer and to promote employees’ access to health-promoting services. The study is based on phone interviews with six identified comprehensive wellness vendors based in Washington State, with the goal of analyzing their various service offerings and philosophical approaches.