I received a substantial gift card for Christmas. I carried it around for several months and just cashed it in on something for my home. I appreciated not having to dig into my savings to buy the items that I wanted.
Gift cards have been on my mind because I recently read an article in Employee Benefit News about a new type of employee benefit — wellness gift cards. According to the article, Highmark, a subsidiary of Blue Cross-Blue Shield, launched a healthcare gift card program for employers. Employers can purchase the cards in any denomination. Employees can spend them like any other gift card, except that it can only be used for certain merchant codes, such as to fund co-pays, pay hospital bills, purchase prescriptions, or obtain alternative medicine, such massage. (The article did not specifically mention chiropractic, but why not?)
One benefits manager heard about the cards and bought a couple dozen as rewards for employees who went through a complete health-risk assessment program. The manager said it was a surprise bonus and served to reinforce the healthy behaviors the employees had established.
A retail massage chain recently opened in my area. It offers patrons the ability to buy gift cards.
I’ve been to a number of different chiropractors’ offices, but I’ve never seen gift cards offered. Personally, I think it’s a good idea — the gift of health.
What do you think? Do you offer gift cards?
Until next time,
2 responses so far ↓
Kathy Mills Chang // Jun 27th 2008 at 11:17 am
I love this idea. Not only are you working on a performance based merit system, but you’re helping people out right where they need it most. I know I have a $2000 deductible for my company, and I have to find ways to help employees ease the pain. Using this for wellness services is brilliant. Isn’t this what we’ve been saying in this profession forever??
Chiropractor Sacramento // Jul 7th 2008 at 6:56 pm
We have had patients ask us for gift certificates, cards during the holidays.
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