Cities look to FitBit to keep health costs down

CEDAR RAPIDS - Scores of government employees may soon be turning to technology they wear to help keep down health costs.

Employers have long been searching for ways to improve the health of their workforces - and, in doing so, trying to keep expenses in check.

They have turned to such things as health fairs, power walking clubs, blood pressure screenings and stop-smoking programs.

Marion, and perhaps Cedar Rapids, are looking to take it farther: outfitting their employees with devices that track activity levels.

If the Marion City Council approves when it meets Thursday, the city will spend $19,200 acquiring 152 Fitbit fitness tracking devices for full-time employees as incentives for joining its new health program.

According to FitBit, the devices worn on the wrist or belt use mathematical calculations to measure the body's movements digitally. That information then is used to show patterns of movement - the number of steps taken, the distance traveled, the amount of calories burned, even the quality of sleep.

Unveiled in April, Marion's well-being program is an initiative to reduce health risks for employees and contain the city's insurance costs, said Amanda Kaufman, assistant to the city manager.

'Research has shown that with improving the well-being of employees, there are higher levels of engagement, reduced absenteeism, increased productivity and lower health care costs,” she said. 'This is part of the incentive package for employees to motivate them to get more involved with their well-being.”

To qualify for a Fitbit, which will be owned by the city and returned if an employee leaves, each employee has to complete a biometric screening -- a series of tests that alert workers to potential medical issues. Employees who complete the screening also will get a $100 bonus.

Employees who then complete a number of other activities - such as online courses, webinars and questionnaires - will get health insurance premium discounts starting in January.

Enrolling employees in programs that get them more active and pay more attention to their health can reduce health insurance costs.

Last year, the city's total medical costs averaged $10,900 per policy.

While a spokeswoman with Iowa City's government said it has no plans to provide fitness trackers to its employees, Cedar Rapids government has extensively been looking into the possibility, said spokeswoman Maria Johnson.

The staff is working to pick a vendor to provide the devices.

'We are always looking for new and innovative ways to support employee health,” said Cedar Rapids City Manager Jeff Pomeranz. 'Providing fitness trackers provides a benefit to both the employee and the city. This is just one opportunity that provides tools and incentives to improve overall health and well-being.”