As the cost of health care continues to rise, studies have shown that almost half of those costs are unnecessary or avoidable. To reduce those expenses, many organizations want to help their employees make better health care choices on their own.
“When employees understand their health insurance, they can make good decisions that benefit themselves and their employer,” says Veronica Hawkins, Medical Mutual vice president of Statewide Accounts. “That’s why it’s important for organizations to make sure their employees have all the information they need.”
Smart Business spoke with Hawkins about what organizations can do to help their employees take a more active role in their health care decisions.
What resources are most important to help employees understand what’s covered?
Probably the most important resource is their benefits book or certificate of coverage. This is the document that explains what services are covered — and not covered — under the plan. Organizations should make sure their employees receive a copy, or have access to it online. This can help them understand the terms of their plan so there are no surprises when they need a service or supply.
How much does the network of providers factor into costs?
It can be significant. The doctors and hospitals employees choose to utilize factors into how much they pay for services. By choosing doctors and facilities in the insurance carrier’s network, employees may only have to pay their copay and any deductible or coinsurance that applies. Employees receiving services outside the network often have to pay any balance beyond what the insurance carrier has agreed to pay.
Before choosing a doctor for any type of treatment, or a facility for any test or procedure, it’s important to check the network. Even if a doctor or facility was listed in the network previously, that status can change. Employees should make sure their doctor is in network by calling their carrier’s customer hotline or going online and searching the provider directory.
What are some other easy ways to save money?
Many people aren’t aware that doctors and health care facilities charge different amounts for the same services. Often, patients can be charged more for seeing a doctor at a facility he or she doesn’t own, like a hospital-owned clinic. It may cost less to see that same doctor and have the same treatment at a different facility. This can also apply to lab costs, as price differences can be significant. To maximize benefits and minimize out-of-pocket costs, it’s important to shop around within the plan’s network.
Some insurance carriers offer online tools for comparing costs. Price estimates are often available for everything from office visits to X-rays to surgical procedures, and may factor in facility fees and other associated costs. These estimates should be pretty close to what the member will have to pay.
What is the best way to keep employees informed?
Good communication is critical. Organizations can partner with their insurance carriers to create a customized approach for building awareness of all these tools. This could include interactive presentations that use visuals and easy-to-understand language. Short segments with a question and answer period may be a good option to help avoid confusion. After any presentations, refresh the topic by emailing employees with benefit reminders and updates.
The key is to give employees the resources they need. They should know how to reach their insurance carrier, where to look for in-network providers and how to use their benefits book and explanation of benefits.
Insights Health Care is brought to you by Medical Mutual
