Self-Insurance: A Solution for Faculty and Staff Health Promotion? Pilot Study Findings

Eta Sigma Gamma Inc. 2000 University Avenue CL 325, Muncie, IN 47306. Tel: 800-715-2559; Tel: 765-285-2258; Fax: 765-285-3210; Web site: http://www.etasigmagamma.org

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Health Promotion; School Districts; Incidence; Questionnaires; Human Resources; Employees; Health Insurance; Comparative Analysis; Physical Activity Level; Community Resources; Statistical Analysis; Fringe Benefits

8756-5943

Faculty and staff health promotion is a cost-saving component of coordinated school health, but little is known about the comprehensiveness of these programs. Self-insured school districts require employees to contribute directly to the district's health insurance pool. The purpose of this pilot study was to identify the prevalence of self-insurance within Texas school districts and compare districts' health promotion efforts to agency-insured counterparts. Using an electronic questionnaire, human resource personnel described the characteristics of their district's insurance status, health insurance coverage, health promotion program components, and considerations when planning health-promoting activities or services for school faculty and staff. Thirteen percent of respondents reported their school districts as self-insured. No significant differences between self-insured and agency-insured districts were discovered regarding health insurance coverage, district-offered health promotion, physical activity promotion, planning considerations, or utilization of community resources. Regardless of insurance type, findings indicated an overall lack in comprehensiveness of district-offered health promotion services. This study supports the need to further investigate this school health component so that district employees can financially and physically benefit from health promotion activities or services.

As Provided

22

2014

EJ1153601