2 min read

Educating Employees On Their Health Care Options

Oct 25, 2017 6:30:00 AM

Health Care Options - FB.jpgEmergency room, urgent care, telemedicine, nurse hotline, specialist, primary care…there are a variety health care options when you’re faced with an injury or illness, but which should you choose?

This is likely a question your employees face on a regular basis. Choosing the most appropriate option can save them time and money, while the wrong choice can be costly for them and for your organization. Are you helping employees understand how to make this decision?

Clear communications with your workforce about these medical care options can help improve their health literacy and assist them in making more informed health care decisions.

Consider the following topics as you prepare your communication efforts:

  • Most carriers offer no cost resources such as nurse hotlines to call for advice as well as online tools such as cost estimators for various procedures.
  • Do local providers offer telemedicine, nurse hotlines, or other resources? Help educate your employees on the breadth of resources available locally. For employers with numerous locations, there are third party vendors who can provide resources to help make accessing primary care more readily available.
  • What coverage or cost differences does your health insurance plan have based on the type of medical care received? Many plans have higher costs associated with emergency room visits versus urgent care, and specialist versus primary care. But some carriers are even stopping coverage for non-emergency services treated in an emergency room, making it very important for employees to understand when an ER visit is appropriate. These factors vary significantly by plan, carrier, and even state, so it is important to look at your specific plan offerings.
  • If an employee or covered family member has a medical problem, have they taken time to learn their health care treatment choices ahead of time? Having a clear understanding of the above items and options upfront will better prepare them to make a quick and informed decision when a flare up strikes.

Providing employees with information upfront can make their decision of where to seek treatment much easier. This can save individuals time and money – and ultimately helps to keep your workforce healthy!

Gibson

Written by Gibson

Gibson is a team of risk management and employee benefits professionals with a passion for helping leaders look beyond what others see and get to the proactive side of insurance. As an employee-owned company, Gibson is driven by close relationships with their clients, employees, and the communities they serve. The first Gibson office opened in 1933 in Northern Indiana, and as the company’s reach grew, so did their team. Today, Gibson serves clients across the country from offices in Arizona, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Utah.