What the “Make America Healthy Again” Initiative Could Mean for Employers, Group Health Insurance, and Premiums
On February 13, 2025, the White House signed an executive order establishing the Make America Healthy Again Commission, a sweeping initiative aimed at reversing the nation’s alarming rise in chronic disease, particularly among children. While the focus may appear to be on public health, this policy carries significant implications for employer-sponsored group health insurance, future healthcare costs, and how brokers and HR teams plan employee benefits.
Why It Matters for Employers and the Insurance Industry
The executive order highlights a harsh reality:
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6 in 10 Americans have at least one chronic disease
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90% of the nation’s $4.5 trillion in healthcare spending goes toward chronic and mental health conditions
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Nearly 1 in 2 children suffer from at least one long-term health condition
This chronic disease crisis is not just a public health issue — it directly translates into higher group insurance premiums, rising absenteeism, reduced productivity, and escalating employer healthcare costs.
The Commission’s goal is to reduce chronic illness through prevention, transparency, and systemic reform — although nothing is guaranteed and we have a long way to go — all of which could reduce the long-term financial burden on employers and insurers.
How the Commission Will Influence Group Health Plans
Key provisions of the initiative include:
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Prioritizing root-cause health research over pharmaceutical-driven treatment
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Promoting lifestyle and nutrition-focused coverage options
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Incentivizing preventive care and wellness education
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Supporting insurance flexibility to cover treatments that promote long-term health outcomes
For HR leaders, benefits managers, and brokers, this opens the door to advocate for insurance plans that prioritize:
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Nutritional counseling
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Mental health education
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Preventive screenings and early intervention
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Comprehensive wellness programs
Insurers may begin offering richer preventive care benefits with lower out-of-pocket costs — especially if federal guidance or incentives make these models more profitable and sustainable.
What Happens If America Gets Healthier?
The long-term financial impact of a healthier population could be transformative:
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Lower chronic disease rates mean fewer claims, which could slow the growth of medical premiums
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Employers may see reduced long-term health risk scores across their covered populations
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Workplace productivity and engagement may increase with improved employee health
If the Commission is successful in driving measurable health improvements — especially among children who will enter the workforce over the next two decades — group plans could shift from being reactive to truly preventive, potentially resetting the cost curve of healthcare in America.
Takeaway for Employers and Brokers
The Make America Healthy Again Commission isn't just a public health move — it’s the beginning of a potential healthcare transformation.
Employers who embrace this shift now by investing in wellness-first benefits, employee education, and prevention-focused insurance could be at the forefront of a healthier, more cost-efficient future.
Stay ahead of this national shift by evaluating your current plan structure and exploring options that align with future-forward health and wellness objectives.
Want help designing smarter benefits strategies for a healthier workforce?
Contact us today to get started promoting a healthier lifestyle for your workforce!