The Alliance for Wellness in America

Health care costs in the United States are increasing at an incredible rate. In 2008, total annual health care spending in the U.S. was $2.3 trillion, more than three times the $714 billion spent in 1990, and over eight times the $253 billion spent in 1980. Chronic illness affects more than 33 percent of working-age Americans and costs associated with chronic disease, many of which are preventable, account for approximately 75 percent of the nation’s annual health care costs.

We believe that one of the answers to our current health care crisis is the promotion of wellness in America. Wellness programs are effective in improving the health of Americans while also reducing health care costs. To have a real impact on overall health and rising costs, we believe it is critical to incentivize wellness in the home, workplace, and in all aspects of daily life. Thus, we have established the Alliance for Wellness in America to educate individuals, employers, and organizations about wellness, and to inform people about federal public policy that focuses on wellness in America.