A new version of the online Quality Dividend Calculator demonstrates that choosing high-quality health plans often results in lower health care costs and better employee productivity.

The QDC, released by the National Committee for Quality Assurance, estimates the number of sick days and resulting loss of productivity at organizations. Employers can plug in unique information about their company and receive detailed estimates of potential savings. The QDC also provides summary data showing how effectively various plans treat prevalent, high-cost illnesses such as diabetes, asthma and cardiac issues, helping managers decide which plan in their area represents the best value for their company’s needs. There’s no charge to use the QDC.

“When it comes to health care, better is often less expensive,” says Margaret E. O’Kane, NCQA president. “That’s a concept that runs counter to most people’s everyday experience. The QDC makes the business case for quality in terms that everyone can understand—dollars and cents.”

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