NBGH guide emphasizes shift toward utilizing more preventive care; Insurers increasing investments in illness prevention.(National Business Group on Health )

Byline: ROBERTO CENICEROS

The National Business Group on Health has released an extensive guide to help employers shift their health plans from emphasizing acute care and medications to focusing more on preventive care.

Under the traditional insurance model, preventive health services have been poorly supported in contrast to the coverage provided for acute care services, said Helen Darling, the NBGH's president in Washington.

Even today, some preventive measures known to be effective, such as obesity counseling, are not covered by all large employers or insured plans, Ms. Darling said.

Insurers, though, say they increasingly are investing in preventive services, and partnering with employers to promote good health practices and provide …