6/11/2009

Chattanooga, Tennessee - Chattanooga’s proven track record in reducing municipal healthcare costs effectively and innovatively through the “Well Advantage Program” has greatly enriched city employees’ quality of life and is a model in comprehensive wellness and Human Resource services.  The city will be recognized with a 2009 Tennessee Municipal League Achievement Award for Excellence in Human Resource Programs to be presented on Tuesday, June 16, 2009, at 8:00 a.m. during TML’s 70th Annual Conference at the Chattanooga Convention Center.

Currently, 2,100 employees and their dependents, plus 800 retirees enjoy health benefits through the city of Chattanooga. But, for participants of the city’s “Well Advantage Program,” life is a little sweeter.  Only a few other cities in the country have undertaken this fresh approach to healthcare, where medical services are provided free of charge at two on-site medical centers and patients can enjoy the one-stop convenience of an on-site pharmacy providing prescription medicines at a reduced cost. It is estimated that the pharmacy program, implemented in 2008, will save the city $8.5 million over the next three years.

With the “Well Advantage Program,” employees and their dependents can obtain generic medication for $2 for a 30-day supply and $5 for a 90-day supply.  While the patient can get their prescriptions filled at other pharmacies, the co-pays are much less at the on-site center, where other non-generic prescriptions are also available at reduced costs. Participants also enjoy the free fitness center and classes for weight management, nutrition and smoking cessation.  As city employees and their families enjoy the perks of better health through preventative healthcare, Chattanooga’s “Well Advantage Program” should provide a healthy advantage in quality and savings for years to come.

Each year the Tennessee Municipal League honors cities throughout the state for overall excellence, improvement, specific outstanding programs, or department accomplishments.  Other award winners for 2009 include: Alexandria, for Small City Progress; Dyersburg, for Excellence in Quality of Life Initiatives; Erwin, for Excellence in Governance; Gallatin, for Excellence in Police Services; Kingsport, for Community Progress; Knoxville, for Excellence in Green Leadership; and Sparta, for Excellence in Public Works.

The Tennessee Municipal League is a voluntary, cooperative organization established by the cities and towns of the state for mutual assistance and improvements. The League’s primary function is to advocate on behalf of city governments. TML works with the Tennessee General Assembly promoting legislation helpful to cities and opposing legislation harmful to cities.