Original Date: 07/21/2003
Revision Date: 01/18/2007

Electric Boat Corporation, Quonset Point Facility values the well-being of its employees, and implemented an employee assistance program that provides the necessary resources to handle personal or family-related hardships.

Electric Boat Corporation, Quonset Point Facility (EBQP) provides a comprehensive employee assistance program for its employees and their dependents. The program, Optum Care 24, is administered by the United Healthcare Corporation as part of the company's healthcare plan, and provides assistance 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Optum Care 24 addresses all aspects of health and well being, and provides accessibility to information and resources for almost any problem. Employees access the services by calling a toll-free number. Trained counselors and nurses are available to help with a wide range of issues such as relationships and family troubles, physical health concerns, substance abuse, chronic health ailments, minor medical emergencies, financial concerns, work-related stress, questions about medication, and personal legal problems. These counseling services are private and held in strict confidence between the counselor and the client. The program is voluntary except in cases of substance abuse or psychological problems affecting an employee's work performance. In these situations, the company may require the employee to participate in the program. The first seven counseling sessions are free; any additional sessions are covered under the employee's healthcare plan. As part of the counseling services, clients receive additional information and in-depth education as needed.

Optum Care 24 offers a wide range of information and helps clients develop a plan of action. For assistance beyond what the program can provide, clients are referred to an appropriate resource. Regular follow-up sessions are also conducted to ensure that clients are getting the help they need. Another feature of Optum Care 24 is the audiotape Health Information Library, where employees call the same toll-free number and select topics from more than 350 recorded health messages. This same information can also be faxed. Based on the positive feedback from its employees, EBQP’s Employee Assistance Program is considered to be a valuable service.

For more information see the Point of Contact for this survey.