Buffett & Company Encourages Government to Provide Incentives to Employers

Buffett & Company has taken a lead role in advocating the Federal Government to provide subsidies and/or tax credits to organizations that promote healthy behaviour amongst employees.

The United States Congress and President Obama recently took this innovative approach as part of the proposed overhaul of the American health-care system. They have indicated a willingness to introduce comprehensive health legislation, which will also include proposals to provide tax credits or other subsidies to employers who offer wellness programs that meet federal criteria. In addition, lawmakers said they would make it easier for employers to use financial rewards to promote healthy behaviour amongst employees. Early indications suggest this initiative will have support from both Democratic and Republican members of both the Senate and House of Representatives. 

Buffett & Company hopes this move by the U.S. government will prompt Canadian health-care policy leaders, as well as members of both federal and provincial governments, to consider introducing a similar approach to health and wellness here in Canada.  Wellness is a relatively low cost intervention which has proven to reduce short-term absences, favourably impact the incidence and duration of long-term disability claims, and result in significant productivity improvements.

If you are interested in joining Buffett & Company, as we advocate the Canadian Government to provide benefits to employers, or if you have any thoughts on how we might accomplish this goal, please contact us at (905) 666-1347 or by email at info@buffettandcompany.com.   

For more information on the proposed U.S. plan, please click here to download the New York Times Article.

This article was written by Alyson Saunders, a Wellness Consultant at
Buffett & Company and is the property of Buffett & Company Worksite Wellness Inc. 

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