What are some ways to help employees become informed customers?
The best thing an employer can do is to tell employees how much health insurance premiums cost. In fact, many employees will be shocked to learn what their employer pays on their behalf. Communicating is especially important during times of open enrollment or during benefit changes. But it’s never too early to start. An employer needs to spotlight the per-employee average or highlight the cost of individual and family packages. This compensation does not show up on paychecks and employees don’t really understand its value. And tell them where you stack up against national averages. You — and they — may be surprised.
Make sure your employees have access to the health plan’s phone number and encourage them to call with questions. Publicize the health plan’s nurse line and any employee assistance support (EAP) you offer, too. We can help members learn more about costs, in-network services, self-care and other tools that are available to help save money.
What information can employers make available to their employees?
Here’s some information that employers can share throughout the year.
First, explain the factors driving health care costs. They include increased use of services, new and experimental services, duplication of services and the like. Let the employees know that a trip to the emergency room for nonemergency treatment costs much more than a visit to the doctor’s office.
Encourage the use of health plans’ Web sites and nurse lines. These are two excellent resources for members to find out the true cost of care and to get free health care advice.
Explain the differences between emergency care and urgent care.
Promote the use of in-network providers, as there is usually a financial incentive to use them.
But, most importantly, don’t forget that the best and cheapest way to treat any illness is to prevent it in the first place. Use your health plan’s health and wellness tips, find out how your employees with chronic conditions can get help and encourage physical fitness at every opportunity.
David Crosby is regional president of HealthAmerica. Reach him at [email protected].