Do you find it as perplexing as I do that although healthcare is a national topic this election season, the focus of the candidates continues to be on only half of the equation – access and affordability? While both issues are important given the number of uninsured and underinsured, there seems to be very little discussion regarding the plan to keep our nation healthy through more proactive and preventative care. Because a significant percentage of chronic diseases are driven by lifestyle choices and behaviors and chronic diseases are the primary contributor to continuing escalation of healthcare costs it should have more of a focus within the candidates’ healthcare agendas. The lack of focus on wellness and establishing a “healthy” nation is a glaring omission in the health reform agendas of our politicians and yet it is a hot topic of discussion for employers and health plans alike.

Employers have long footed the majority of the cost of healthcare consumption for their employees. As costs have continued to increase, the aggregate effect has eroded corporate profits and impacted employers’ abilities to remain competitive. Logically it makes sense….healthier people cost our health system less money and increase productivity. As a result health plans are being tasked with identifying methods for reigning in healthcare costs. The market has determined that an emphasis on coordinated, preventative care is the best solution to driving down healthcare costs. If that is the case, why doesn’t wellness have a more prolific position in the health reform conversations during this election season?