Tuesday, Bibb County Commissioners approved spending $88,000 to purchase 650 Fitbits for county employees. This money is a part of an incentive fund from Blue Cross Blue Shield.
Hitting the gym or taking a few extra steps are some things Commissioner Virgil Watkins says the county is trying to encourage employees to do more often.
“Health care costs are driven by our claims. Claims are driven by how healthy we are as a body,” says Watkins.
This year, the county saw about a $5 million increase in health care costs. With a general fund that is nearing depletion, Watkins says they have to find a way to lower their health care spending. He says one possible solution is Fitbits.
“Walking 10,000 steps a day is a great way to keep your cardiovascular system fit,” says Watkins.
Watkins says thanks to a $100,000 incentive fund from Blue Cross Blue Shield, they are buying 650 Fitbits. It is tool he thinks will encourage employees to be more active.
“Not only is it individual accountability by looking at it yourself, but also team-based accountability as well,” says Watkins.
But with all of the county’s recent financial issues, we asked Mayor Robert Reichert if this is funding that could be put back into the general fund.
“It’s restricted. We can’t just use it to buy a fire truck,” says Reichert.
Reichert says this money has to be used on wellness programs, but he says this purchase could actually help replenish their savings.
“It’s very important that we incentivize people to participate in ways to improve their health to take care of themselves because that helps reduce these health care costs,” says Reichert.
And because of the way the program works, Watkins says if employees meet certain goals, they can actually save on health care costs.
“If you’re walking 10,000 steps a quarter, you receive a $125 credit towards health care services,” says Watkins.