CINCINNATI — Ohio's employer-group and other health plans with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield can add a chronic disease program that has reduced hospital trips and increased workplace productivity elsewhere.

The 360-Degree Health package will be available to self-funded plans May 1 and already is part of all other employer plans. Employers can choose from among eight health improvement services, such as health coaches, preventive care reminders and programs to help with weight, stress and smoking.

Available in some places since 2004, the program's disease-management piece alone has generated a $2.81 return on investment for every $1 spent by its third year.

Companies had three-year decreases of 15 percent in emergency room visits, 7 percent in hospital days and 57 percent in "days of lost (workplace) activity in the last 90 days" — from seven to three.

Ohioans spent $13.5 billion in 2003 for treating seven common chronic diseases — cancer, diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, stroke, mental disorders and pulmonary conditions — the Milken Institute reported in October. Another $43.4 billion from lost workdays and lower productivity at work brought the total tab to $56.8 billion, or $65.3 billion in today's dollars.

"Our physical health is such an important factor in one's quality of living and the company's productivity," said benefits director Melanie Hoffman of The Scotts Company in Marysville, which has had 360-degree health since Jan. 1, 2006, when it was offered to national companies. "Participation in the programs has been very high."

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2129 or klamb@DaytonDailyNews.com.

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