Ford initiates pilot program to help unhealthiest workers

DETROIT, July 10 (UPI) -- A pilot wellness program at the Ford Motor Co. aims to help its unhealthiest workers manage a chronic illness such as diabetes or heart disease, officials say.

Ford officials said 61 percent of its healthcare costs were from employees who have at least one, but often multiple, chronic illnesses such as heart disease, lung disease, diabetes and asthma, Michigan Radio 91.7 FM Ann Arbor/Detroit reported.

Ford and its healthcare trust that covers medical care for retired union workers said the auto company hoped to reduce medical costs, while improving the quality of life for the people burdened by chronic illness.

Those who sign up for the program will be assigned a personal care nurse who will answer their questions, help them understand and maintain their medications, make sense of their doctors' instructions and navigate a complicated healthcare system, Ford said.

A similar program at Boeing reduced healthcare costs by 17 percent.