In the world of benefits planning, Spring is the time when companies and their HR teams sit down to strategize how to secure the best healthcare benefits at a cost that their organization can afford. However, in recent years, this process has become increasingly challenging. Employee satisfaction with benefits is at its lowest point in a decade, while the average family premium has seen a 50% increase, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.
Stu Clark, CEO of a direct healthcare provider, has spoken with many organizations about their benefits strategies, priorities, and pain points. Clark believes that organizations should start their strategic planning by asking two key questions: Are employees using their healthcare benefits, and are they getting healthier as a result? Many employers have turned to multiple vendors for wellness benefits solutions in the past, but this fragmented approach often causes confusion. With too many options and a lack of clarity in the healthcare delivery system, employees are unsure where to turn for care.
Clark emphasizes that healthcare only works if people use it. Underutilized benefits can lead to a less healthy and less productive workforce. Employers have the opportunity to build trust with their employees and improve health by making it easier for them to receive convenient, quality healthcare. To drive higher utilization of benefits and improve health, companies can focus on collecting and using their data, focusing on primary care, and effectively communicating benefits information to employees throughout the year.
One key focus for organizations should be to collect and analyze data on how employees are using their benefits to determine if they are focused in the right areas to provide the most benefit. By understanding what services are being used and their associated costs, employers can make informed decisions about where to focus their efforts. Additionally, employers should prioritize primary care as it is proven to improve health and lower costs. By investing in advanced primary care options, employers can reduce ER visits and hospital stays, leading to healthier workforces and decreased healthcare expenses.
To increase access to primary care, employers can consider reducing or eliminating co-pays and deductibles for primary care office visits, investing in dedicated wellness centers with advanced primary care, and working with insurance partners to navigate employees to high-value providers. Employers should also provide consistent communication and education throughout the year to ensure that employees are aware of their benefits and understand how to access them. By prioritizing primary care, effectively communicating benefits, and listening to employee feedback, organizations can improve satisfaction, strengthen trust, and promote healthier workforces over time.
