Local government managers continue to face spiraling costs for employee health care benefits. ICMA and strategic partner CIGNA, in collaboration with the ICMA Health Care Advisory Group, are exploring ways to help local government managers assess and address what may become a fiscal crisis. As part of this initiative, ICMA conducted a national survey of local government employee health insurance. More than 2,200 local governments completed the survey and responses show that obesity/weight management, heart disease, and stress management are the top three health concerns.

From a management perspective, addressing these often related health concerns through preventive and disease management programs will improve employee health and reduce health care costs. In addition, there are choices in health insurance that can be tailored to the needs of the consumer. For example, younger, healthy employees might select a high-deductible plan with a health savings account and a lower monthly premium if they were given the option. 

The partnership between ICMA and CIGNA was developed to create publications, presentations, training, and other resources that will help managers respond to the challenges by focusing on prevention and wellness. A report summarizing the survey results is attached below. In addition, the complete aggregate survey results are available here.