Preventive Maintenance for Your People: Why the Annual Physical is Your Best Business Tool

In the automotive and fleet world, we live by a simple rule: preventive maintenance saves money. You wouldn’t dream of running a heavy-duty truck for 50,000 miles without an oil change or ignoring a “check engine” light on a diagnostic rack. We know that catching a worn belt today prevents a blown engine tomorrow.

Yet, many of the most skilled people in our industries, the technicians, drivers, and shop managers who keep the world moving, treat their own health with less urgency than a fleet vehicle.

As we head into 2026, encouraging your team to schedule an annual physical is a critical strategy for managing your business’s risk and healthcare costs.

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The ROI of the Annual Physical

For a business owner, a healthy workforce is a more productive and profitable one. Here is why the annual physical is a win-win:

• Catching “Hidden” Issues Early: Conditions like hypertension (high blood pressure) and Type 2 diabetes often have no symptoms in the early stages. For a driver, an undiagnosed heart issue can lead to a lost CDL certification or, worse, an accident on the road.
• Preventing “Jumbo Claims”: High-cost medical claims (often called “Jumbo Claims”) are the primary driver of premium increases. Early detection through a routine physical can turn a potential $100,000 emergency room event into a manageable, low-cost primary care visit.
• Zero Out-of-Pocket Cost: Under ACA-compliant plans provided through NARFA, preventive wellness exams are covered at $0 cost to the employee. It is one of the most underutilized “free” benefits available to your team.

Avoiding the “DOT Physical” Confusion

In our industry, there is often a misunderstanding between a DOT Physical and an Annual Physical Exam.

• A DOT Physical is a regulatory requirement to ensure a driver is fit to operate a commercial vehicle. It is a “pass/fail” test focused on safety.
• An Annual Physical Exam is a comprehensive health deep-dive. It covers blood work, cancer screenings, and long-term health trending that a standard DOT exam might miss.

Encouraging your team to do both (where applicable) ensures they stay compliant with the law and healthy for their families.

How the NARFA Benefit Center Makes it Easy

We know that for a busy shop owner or fleet manager, navigating healthcare is the last thing you want to do. That’s where the NARFA Benefit Center steps in. We act as an extension of your office to remove the friction of getting care.

If your employees are hesitant because they “don’t have a doctor” or “don’t know if it’s covered,” send them to us. Our team helps members:

• Find Quality Providers: We can locate in-network medical facilities near your business location or your employees’ homes.
• Verify Coverage: We’ll confirm exactly what is covered at no cost so there are no surprises at the doctor’s office.
• Check Networks: We ensure the facility they choose is “in-network” to maximize their benefits and protect your plan’s claims experience.

The Bottom Line

A well-maintained machine lasts longer, runs smoother, and costs less to operate. Your employees are the most important “machines” in your business. By starting the year off with some preventive care, you’re setting a tone of safety and longevity for the entire year.

Is your team up to date on their wellness visits? Contact the NARFA Benefit Center today and we can provide you with employee flyers or help your staff find a local doctor to get started.