More American workers are connecting the dots on how wellness programs can help rein in health care costs, according to the recent Principal Financial Well-Being Index. About 51% of employees report that workplace wellness benefits are successful at lowering health care expenses.

In addition, the data shows that two-thirds of workers, up from 60% a year ago, anticipate higher premiums for 2009, and 43% (up from 38%) expect a spike in deductibles. The index represents the responses of U.S workers at businesses that employ between 10 and 1,000 employees. Harris Interactive conducted the survey.

"Americans face strong financial headwinds as we enter the new year against the backdrop of a slowing economy," says Jerry Ripperger, national practice leader of consumer health for the Principal Financial Group. "Rising health care costs are fueling the fire at a time when many Americans are strapped for cash. Fortunately, it appears the majority of workers understand that adopting preventive health care measures not only improves overall health but can drive down costs in the long term," he adds.

Other top findings included:

• Nearly 80% of workers, up from 74% a year ago, take advantage of educational wellness tools and resources offered by their employer, while 77% (up from 59% last year) participate in both blood sugar and cholesterol screenings.

• Workers indicate that better overall physical health and lower personal health care costs (53% and 38%, respectively) would most encourage them to participate in wellness programs, while 38% indicated that receiving an incentive or reward would most encourage them to participate.

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• Building the budget for wellness