Health insurer looks to lead by example

CEO (or equivalent): Kim Keck,  CEO and presidentNumber of employees: 825
CEO (or equivalent): Kim Keck, CEO and presidentNumber of employees: 825

Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island knows it’s vital to lead by example, said Bobby Rodriguez, vice president of human resources.

“Part of the vision is really to make Rhode Islanders healthy,” Rodriguez said. “We start with our employees.”

A wellness program has been available to employees since the 1980s, evolving into the “Rhodes to Wellness” program, designed to also enhance financial, social and emotional well-being.

Most employees participate in some aspect of the program, which includes subsidized, healthy cafeteria meals, financial incentives for healthy behavior, group fitness events and two weeks of paid leave for new parents (this may soon be expanded).

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Armed with claims data from across its book of business, the insurer can measure how effective its programs are: Claims are 19 percent lower than average, BCBSRI said. •

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