Highmark Inc., the largest health insurer in Pennsylvania, is looking toward its workers to reduce its own health care costs and better engage them in its own health care decisions.

Kenneth Melani

Pittsburgh, Pa.-based Highmark is opening two worksite health centers. The first center opened Nov. 6 at its Camp Hill, Pa., facility and the second will open at the company headquarters in Pittsburgh Nov. 20. The health centers will offer Highmark employees a variety of services including primary care, vaccinations, physical therapy and a pharmacy.

“Based on our research, we expect to save several hundred thousand dollars on our overall health care costs this first year,” said Kenneth R. Melani, Highmark CEO and president, in a statement. “Besides that financial return on investment, we also know there are many additional benefits. Employees will be able to see a doctor at work rather than spending several hours going to an off-site appointment. This convenience is another opportunity to have employees more engaged in their health care decisions.”

Highmark, which provides health plans to the western and central portions of Pennsylvania, is working with Take Care Health Systems, which will operate the health centers. Take Care Health Systems is part of Walgreens Health and Wellness Division and currently operates more than 375 worksite health centers around the country.

Worksite health centers can offer employers immediate savings of 10% to 30% percent on health care costs, according to Fuld & Company research. The facilities generate savings by reducing costs for health care services, increasing productivity among the workforce and improving the overall health and well being of the employee population.