A survey of more than 1,000 employers by United Benefit Advisors (UBA), an alliance of 141 U.S. benefit firms, suggests that health and wellness programs are proving valuable.

Said UBA's David LoCascio, "The focus for many employers has clearly shifted to preventing and managing employee health rather than solely cutting benefits and/or increasing employee contributions."

The survey found that the most prevalent cost containment strategies by employers continue to be reducing plan benefits and/or increasing employee premium costs.

However, those responding increasingly believed wellness programs that incorporate individual health-risk assessments and disease-management programs are equally effective at containing costs.