Illinois Again Earns Top National Wellness Award for Employee Health Programs (Springfield, IL) – The State of Illinois has been recognized for its employee wellness efforts for the fourth consecutive year, receiving the 2025 Aetna Workplace Well-being Platinum Award — the highest honor given by the health benefits provider.
The Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS), which oversees employee benefits for state workers, retirees and their families, announced the award Thursday. The recognition highlights employers who demonstrate a strong, sustained commitment to improving workforce health through innovative programs and outreach.
“This continued recognition reflects our unwavering commitment to the physical, mental, and financial well-being of our employees, retirees, and their families,” CMS Director Raven A. DeVaughn said in a statement. “Earning the Platinum Award for a fourth consecutive year is a powerful affirmation of the work we do to support a healthy, resilient, and engaged workforce.”
CMS administers more than $7 billion in annual benefit spending and serves over 466,000 individuals statewide. The agency partners with health care providers, insurers and organized labor to deliver health coverage and wellness initiatives to state agencies and universities.
Wellness Programs Drive National Recognition
Aetna cited a number of state-led wellness initiatives as contributing factors to Illinois’ continued Platinum status. Over the past year, CMS:
Expanded wellness programming to include spouses and dependents.
Strengthened its “Be Well” wellness brand through digital outreach and statewide events.
Enhanced employee engagement using webinars, email campaigns and social media.
Grew its Wellness Ambassador Network to 36 ambassadors across 25 state agencies.
Offered educational sessions on topics ranging from financial planning to mental health and nutrition.
Hosted employee wellness challenges, including “Fall into Wellness” and “Walk Around Illinois 2024,” which drew more than 2,400 combined participants.
Conducted statewide health screenings:
Colorectal cancer screenings: 3,387 tests completed, with 161 positive results and 78% of those participants seeking follow-up care.
Skin cancer screenings: 297 screened; 30% referred to dermatologists.
Higi Health Stations: More than 35,000 biometric health checks completed.
Incorporated social determinants of health to make wellness programs more inclusive and accessible.
National Recognition for Workplace Health
The Aetna Workplace Well-being Award program, launched in 2017, honors organizations with effective wellness strategies, communication, and measurable results. Illinois’ four-year Platinum streak places the state among the national leaders in public-sector employee health programs.
State officials said CMS will continue to grow wellness offerings in 2025 with a focus on preventive care, mental health supports and equitable access to health resources.
The state is expected to release new wellness initiatives later this spring.
Illinois Again Earns Top National Wellness Award for Employee Health Programs
