NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
NLC and Bearing Advisors Announce Launch of National Prevent+Protect Program
Washington, D.C., July 17, 2025
The National League of Cities (NLC) today announced a new strategic partnership with Bearing Advisors, a trusted leader in creating right-fit partnerships between municipalities and private-sector solutions.
Through the partnership, local leaders from NLC member communities will gain access to Bearing’s Prevent+Protect program, which offers an innovative approach to making proactive wellness accessible and affordable. NLC and Bearing Advisors are pleased to promote wellness across municipalities nationwide and help address the growing health crisis in America. Chronic conditions affect more than half of our population1 and account for 90 percent of the nation’s $4.1T in annual healthcare expenditure. 2
“Through cost-covered access to wellness benefits, we can help people focus on proactively supporting their physical, mental, and financial well-being. This breaks the paradigm of affordability, historically standing in the way, which is particularly important for the municipal sector,” said Phil Riley, CEO of Bearing Advisors.
NLC CEO and Executive Director, Clarence E. Anthony, recognized the initiative as a win-win solution for municipal members, many of whom struggle to keep up with the rising cost of healthcare benefits.
“Driving innovative solutions that strengthen our cities and support the public servants who keep them running is a top priority for NLC,” said Clarence E. Anthony, CEO & Executive Director of the National League of Cities. “The Prevent+Protect program is a smart, cost-effective way for local governments to invest in employee wellbeing, without adding to their budget pressures. Our partnership with Bearing Advisors empowers NLC members to build healthier, more resilient communities from the inside out.”
The Prevent+Protect program leverages federal wellness incentives to bring these benefits to local government employees without reducing their net pay. Cities, towns and villages that implement the program also qualify for financial incentives by adopting this forward-thinking approach to wellness. Local governments interested in the program can obtain more information at bearingadvisors.net/wellness-done-well/.
1 Buttorff C, Ruder T, Bauman M. Multiple Chronic Conditions in the United States. Rand Corp.; 2017.
2 National health expenditure data: historical. Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Updated December 13, 2023. Accessed February 6, 2024. https://www.cms.gov/data-research/statistics-trends-and-reports/national-health-expenditure-data/historical
About Bearing Advisors
Bearing Advisors is a team of seasoned professionals with over 240 years of combined experience delivering solutions that empower local governments.
About the National League of Cities (NLC)
The National League of Cities (NLC) is the voice of America’s cities, towns and villages, representing more than 200 million people. NLC works to strengthen local leadership, influence federal policy and drive innovative solutions. Stay connected with NLC on Facebook, X, LinkedIn and Instagram.
Media Contacts
- Bearing Advisors
Emily White
Vice President, Prevent+Protect
Email: ewhite@bearingadvisors.net - National League of Cities
Contact: media@nlc.org
