Press Center: News Releases
Divided We Fail Commends Bipartisan Senate Leadership On Prevention and Wellness Legislation
News Release
February 13, 2008
WASHINGTON– AARP, Business Roundtable, SEIU and NFIB – which collectively represent more than 53 million Americans and together make up Divided We Fail – today announced their support for legislation that would give businesses a powerful new incentive to provide customized tools that help employees better manage their own health and wellness.
The “Healthy Workforce Act,” introduced by Senators Tom Harkin (D-IA) and Gordon Smith (R-OR), would give a tax credit of up to 50 percent to businesses that offer their employees qualified, comprehensive wellness programs that contain at least three of the following four elements:
- Health awareness/education – including assessments and preventive screenings;
- Behavioral change – including counseling, seminars or self-help materials;
- Supportive environment– including health premium reductions or daytime exercise options; and
- Employee engagement– to tailor the program to the needs of the company’s workforce
“America’s medical system is focused on treating disease rather than maintaining health,” said AARP CEO Bill Novelli. “As a nation, we can do better. Twenty-first century health care should mean getting the best care before we ever get sick. Prevention is the best cure.”
“As America’s largest employers, we have embraced our vital role in the health care equation by providing our employees with the support they need to make good choices and live healthier lives,” said Business Roundtable President John J. Castellani. “But we can’t do it alone. Government, business and individuals each have a role, and this bill is a step in the right direction by our nation’s lawmakers.”
“Staying healthy and independent is a lifelong job,” said SEIU President Andy Stern. “Wellness and prevention efforts, including changes in personal behavior such as diet and exercise, should be a top national priority.”
“It is so important for people to be aware of the benefits of promoting better health and wellness, especially on the front end – before chronic conditions drive up costs,” said NFIB President and CEO Todd Stottlemyer. “We especially encourage health, wellness and prevention programs to be adaptable and flexible enough for the smallest of small businesses.”
Together, AARP, Business Roundtable, SEIU and NFIB are committed to engaging the American people, businesses, non-profit organizations, and elected officials in finding bi-partisan solutions that ensure affordable, quality health care and long-term financial security for all.
More information about Divided We Fail efforts can be found at www.dividedwefail.org.
AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to either political campaigns or candidates. We produce AARP The Magazine, published bimonthly; AARP Bulletin, our monthly newspaper; AARP Segunda Juventud, our bimonthly magazine in Spanish and English; NRTA Live & Learn, our quarterly newsletter for 50+ educators; and our website, http://www.aarp.org. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. We have staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Business Roundtable (www.businessroundtable.org) is an association of chief executive officers of leading U.S. companies with $4.5 trillion in annual revenues and more than 10 million employees. Member companies comprise nearly a third of the total value of the U.S. stock markets and represent over 40 percent of all corporate income taxes paid. Collectively, they returned $112 billion in dividends to shareholders and the economy in 2005. Roundtable companies give more than $7 billion a year in combined charitable contributions, representing nearly 60 percent of total corporate giving. They are technology innovation leaders, with $90 billion in annual research and development spending - nearly half of the total private R&D spending in the U.S.
With 1.8 million members, SEIU (www.seiu.org) is the fastest-growing union in North America. Focused on uniting workers in three sectors to improve their lives and the services they provide, SEIU is the largest health care union, including hospitals, nursing homes, and home care; the largest property services union, including building cleaning and security; and the second largest public employee union.
NFIB is the nation’s leading small-business advocacy association, with offices in Washington, D.C. and all 50 state capitals. Founded in 1943 as a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, NFIB gives small- and independent-business owners a voice in shaping the public policy issues that affect their business. NFIB’s powerful network of grassroots activists send their views directly to state and federal lawmakers through our unique member-only ballot, thus playing a critical role in supporting America’s free enterprise system. NFIB’s mission is to promote and protect the right of our members to own, operate and grow their businesses. More information about NFIB is available online at www.NFIB.com.