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W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 9 H E A LT H Y B U S I N E S S paying attention" to the cost and qual- ity of health care. Also, she says, aging baby boomers and a confusing health- care system overall are fueling growth. Of APHA's 600 members nation- wide, about 60% come from a medical background — nurses, physicians or affi liated professionals. e rest entered the fi eld as individuals who grew frus- trated with the confusion of the health care system when they navigated it for their own care or on behalf of someone else, she says. "So these are people who want to make sure that whatever happened to them doesn't happen to anyone else," she says. "I don't know of any other profession that starts that way." Controlling costs At Allen Insurance, several years of pretty signifi cant claim expenses for its employee health insurance plan drove the decision, about six year ago, to focus on wellness and eventually contract with Patient Advocates, says Sherree Craig, the senior account man- ager in Allen's insured benefi ts division. As someone who secures health insurance programs for other employ- ers, Craig has witnessed the rise in demand for wellness programs as a key component for trying to maintain control over costs. "So it was natural that Allen would take up that opportunity as well," Craig says. " ere was a hope that we could control some of those costs that might be related to lifestyle choices. ere are some many diseases today that are a result of the choices we make. We also take a close look at our claims activity to see if there's anything in there that we can directly impact with day-to-day campaigns. For example, we have quite a few people here who have cholesterol issues, so we can focus on educating employees on cholesterol and how to make changes." While some companies immediately look for a return on their investment— reduction in health claims and premi- ums — it makes more sense to measure a program's success by the overall well- ness of individuals, says Craig. "If you focus on that, your program is probably going to be a success," she says. "And if someone moves from a high- to medium-risk category in a disease then, in the long run, you're also going to have a return on your investment refl ected in your health plan." L S , a w r i t e r b a s e d i n B a s s H a r b o r, c a n b e r e a c h e d a t @ . Investing in Maine's Future Katharine Rand EMPLOYMENT LAW Rebecca Greenfield REAL ESTATE, COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT Gavin McCarthy COMMERCIAL & CONSTRUCTION LITIGATION Emily Cooke BUSINESS LAW Jon Gelchinsky TRADEMARK & COPYRIGHT Katie Minervino IMMIGRATION LAW Sarah Tracy ENERGY LAW Molly Liddell TRUSTS & ESTATE PLANS For more than 120 years, Pierce Atwood has built a reputation in Maine as a firm that attracts and retains superb legal talent, delivering superior client satisfaction and exceptional value. Our attorneys have helped startups grow into vital Maine businesses, advised companies on succession planning and valuation, navigated financing and land use issues for major real estate developments, facilitated strategic acquisitions and mergers, protected ideas and new technologies, and assisted employers in recruiting and retaining skilled employees. How can we help take your business to the next level? Let us know. We're here to help. Pierce Atwood. There's a reason… Merrill's Wharf . 254 Commercial Street . Portland, Maine 04101 . pierceatwood.com Be part of Maine's largest business-to-business event and network with customers and prospects. T HIS Y E A R'S T HE ME: M A INE BI Z U SP O NSOR: PWM BUSINES S OF F ICE LOUNGE SPONSOR: PRESENTING SPONSOR: PRE SE N T ING SP ONS OR: www.momentumconvention.com November 9 | 8:30am–4:00pm | Augusta Civic Center FOLLOW US @MBEVENTS #MOCO16 Navigating Maine's Future SUPP OR T ING SP ONS ORS: National Bank EXCLUSIVE VENDORS: Affordable Exhibit Displays Broadreach PR Green Tree | Headlight AV W.S. Emerson

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