MSGBH: Working with Businesses to Improve Health in the State of Mississippi
The Mississippi Business Group on Health (MSBGH) is Mississippi’s most powerful voice for employers on health care issues. It is a collaboration of employers, providers, and systems working together to improve health and health care in the State of Mississippi. MSGBH prides itself on the quality of relationships it has built with members and with the community. A solid sense of trust has brought people together within the business group to share ideas, promote best practices, and foster innovation. MSBGH’s ability to attract people from diverse backgrounds such as HR, purchasers groups, government, and benefit groups allows a unique opportunity for discussion and growth.
Challenge
Mississippi is known as one of the unhealthiest states in the United States. It leads the nation in obesity, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and other chronic conditions. These risks contribute to the rising cost of health care for Mississippi employers. Compounding the problem, the culture in Mississippi creates a considerable barrier to change. Employers feel frustration and financial strain brought on by the unhealthy culture.
Experience
MSBGH works with the CDC, the community, businesses, schools, and faith communities to improve health in Mississippi. Specifically, MSBGH is helping employers who are taking the lead by providing education, encouraging value-based health plan design, and fostering data transparency and management. The Health Care Reform Summit presented by the Mississippi Business Group on Health and the School of Business at Mississippi College is one of many educational opportunities offered by MSBGH. It is an annual conference where attendees receive information on current hot buttons such as: the health care exchanges, tax implications, value-based benefit design, employee benefits and human resource issues presented by leaders within the state. MSGBH has also collaborated with the Mississippi Business Journal, and the Mississippi State Department of Health to create the Mississippi Healthiest Workplace Award. Award winning companies will be certified as healthy businesses.
Results
MSBGH’s goal is to help employers optimize their employees’ health and maximize their return on investment. MSBGH has developed several strategies to support employers in these goals. First, MSBGH promotes discussions with hospitals, benefits people, and employers to create value based benefits design. Then, MSGBH has become the state venue for learning opportunities where employees can earn CEU’s, stepping in to fill the gap employee benefit groups have been missing. Additionally, MSBGH tracks legislation to keep employers updated on current changes in health care. Pending legislation, the Mississippi Healthiest Workplace Award will tie into a tax credit for businesses. MSBGH’s commitment and dedication to the health in the state of Mississippi is crucial to its success.
Scott Foster/Wellco Value
“Scott Foster is an outstanding speaker and health promotion professional. I have worked with him on several different occasions and his knowledge and professionalism are industry-leading. We booked Scott to be one of our keynote speakers at our Healthy Workplace Healthy Communities Conference where he engaged the audience, opened people’s eyes with stories, made it personal and did a great job! I would recommend Scott for any employer health meetings!”
Murray Harbor, Executive Director
Mississippi Business Group on Health
About MSBGH
MSBGH provides members with resources, opportunities, and ongoing learning on the latest trends and information about employer health and productivity management. Current programs include educational opportunities, an annual worksite wellness conference, a health care reform summit, and legislative updates. Sharing and collaboration are supported through special interest groups within the business group. Learn more by following this link.
About Scott Foster and Wellco
Scott Foster is President of Wellco. Scott is a frequently- invited expert and speaker regarding making sense of employer health care strategies and the effectiveness of health and wellness programs. Scott and Wellco provide award-winning, results-oriented systems to measurably improve organizational health costs and conditions. Contact Wellco.
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