Oct. 28, 2009 (PR Newswire) -- Chicagoans Spend the Third-Highest on Healthcare in the United States
CHICAGO, Oct. 28 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Express Scripts (Nasdaq: ESRX) Center for Cost-Effective Consumerism, the American Benefits Council and Hewitt Associates along with other leading health and policy organizations are continuing the momentum of the ignite09 symposium, a groundbreaking series of symposiums on the convergence of behavioral economics and healthcare, by bringing the conversation to Chicago. This invitation-only event is being held today at the University of Chicago and unites key decision makers and innovators in healthcare; top academics in business, medicine and economics; HR executives from leading companies in the food industry, healthcare and other industries; and government leaders.
"We believe it is very important to continue the ignite09 symposium conversation series here in Chicago, especially since a recent report highlighted that a typical family of four in Chicago is spending an average of $19,008 a year on healthcare, which is the third-highest in the country," Bob Nease, Chief Scientist, Express Scripts. "Attendees at the ignite09 symposium will continue the dialogue that began in the nation's capitol and then moved to San Francisco about America's existing and emerging healthcare problems and discuss real solutions made possible by applying the principles of behavioral economics to healthcare."
This solution-oriented symposium will draw on the insights of behavioral economics experts and focus on providing attendees with the knowledge and tools needed to improve health outcomes and lower costs, focusing specifically on the health care issues and organizations in the Chicago area.
"While it has been determined that monetary incentives alone won't improve employees' health decisions, they do have the desire and confidence to play an active role in managing their health," said Cheryl Larson, Vice President, Midwest Business Group on Health, an ignite09 symposium strategic partner. "The value of applying behavioral economics to healthcare is being heard all across the country and analyzing this concept specific to Chicago employers will have an unquestionable benefit for all."
"Interest in behavioral economics is growing tremendously across the country and it intersects with the critical national debate now underway in Washington, D.C. on reforming the health care system," said James Klein, President, American Benefits Council.
