In addition to traditional benefits plans,
many insurers are now offering a variety
of health programs and services that give people easy, convenient ways to maintain healthy and active lifestyles. These
programs and services are available in a
number of formats designed to save consumers time and money.
“As employees are taking more responsibility for health care decision making and
spending, they are looking for convenient
ways to manage their health care dollars,”
says Bill Berenson, senior vice president of
Aetna’s Small and Middle Market Business
for the North Central Region. “Many of the
new programs and services insurers are
offering address the consumer need for
easy, low-cost ways to stay healthy.
Employers now have several low-cost
ways of attracting and rewarding employees while providing opportunities to access
quick, convenient and frequently discounted services.”
Smart Business spoke with Berenson
about the types of programs and services
that are available and their accompanying
health and cost benefits.
What are some examples of health programs
and services that insurers typically offer?
Some of the more common examples
include access to in-store clinics, as well as
fitness and wellness discounts and innovative health-related credit card programs.
What are the benefits of using these services?
Convenience, cost savings and many
options from which to choose are significant benefits of these programs and services. They give consumers greater control
over what kind of health and wellness
options to pursue and when and how to do
so. All of these opportunities can help individuals achieve and maintain their optimal
health.
Can these programs and services address
health problems?
For certain common health problems,
walk-in clinics, usually found in stores or
pharmacies, provide a convenient alternative when a patient cannot see his or her
primary care physician. Of course, consumers should continue to use their primary care physician as their first recourse
for care, and it’s important to recognize
that walk-in clinics are not meant to treat
serious illness or emergency situations.
But with a member’s permission, treatment
information is shared by the health clinic
with his or her primary care provider.
How do these services help people become
and stay healthy?
Options like fitness and wellness discounts offered through an insurer make it
easier to take part in value-added programs
geared toward activities such as weight
management and fitness.
Enrollment in a weight management program can help individuals lose weight, feel
better and develop a balanced, managed approach to an active lifestyle. In addition,
regular exercise can help people maintain
a healthy weight, which may lower their
risk for conditions such as Alzheimer’s,
depression and anxiety, diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure.
What benefits do credit-card-style programs
offer consumers?
Innovative credit card programs can offer
a low-APR, flexible method of paying for
out-of-pocket health care expenses, while
promoting healthy living behaviors. They
may facilitate payment of out-of-pocket
medical expenses as well as everyday purchases, while promoting healthy living at
the same time. These credit card programs
can offer a variety of unique features,
including health-themed rewards programs that encourage wellness behaviors
and help consumers offset both current
and future health care expenses.
What other kinds of discounts are available?
Other programs offer discounts on eye
care products and services, including eye
exams, eyeglasses, LASIK surgery, contact
lenses and other eye care accessories.
Some offer discounts on complementary
and alternative medicine services and
products, exemplifying the wide array of
options available to the cost-conscious
consumer. Still others can help save money
on dental, pharmacy and long-term care
services. Such a broad selection of products and services can offer people greater
health care choice and flexibility.
Participants may pay a low monthly or
annual fee for each program, which offers
access to individual providers who give
participants discounts on certain services.
BILL BERENSON is senior vice president of Aetna’s Small and
Middle Market Business for the North Central Region. Reach him
at (312) 928-3323 or [email protected].