IBM Offers 100% Primary Health Care Coverage For US Employees: Who's Next?

IBM is well known for creating some pretty radical devices andsolutions. From supercomputers to improvements in business efficiency,IBM is credited with doing a whole lot in the business/tech world.Unfortunately, it also had to lay off thousands of workers earlier thisyear as the economy declined, but as things pick back up, the companyis looking to set a precendent. Or at least generate favor with theemployees that are left.

Starting in 2010, IBM will provide its US employees with 100% coverageof primary health care. Read that again. Now, wonder why your employerisn't doing the same. As the US government goes back and forth with its"public option," IBM is doing what every other major corporationshould've done years ago: it's taking care of things on its own. Thedeal really is as sweet as it sounds, too.

There will be no coinsurance or deductible for in-network primary carewith theirinternist, family practitioner, pediatrician, general practitioner orprimary osteopath. Of course, IBM isn't the only company in the US tocover primary care at 100%, but it's easily the most visable to do it.IBM is a company that demands attention in the tech world and on WallStreet, so it makes sense that people are looking at this and expectingchange elsewhere.


As if this wasn't enough, the outfit is also announcing a new wellnessincentive for employees to encourage changes in lifestyleto build energy, better health and vitality through all aspects ofpersonal well-being -- emotional, mental and physical. Starting soon,this will be one of five $150 rebates offered to full-time IBMemployees in the US.

So, wondering if IBM is hiring?