Highlights
- In a subscription-based healthcare model, companies pay a fixed monthly or annual fee to provide employees with access to a defined set of healthcare services.
- This approach offers predictable costs, focuses on primary care and prevention, and positively impacts employee satisfaction.
- At QBS, we help businesses find affordable healthcare solutions for their employees. We provide subscription-based healthcare, among other employee benefits services. Contact us to learn more.
Rising healthcare costs and ever-increasing premiums for traditional health insurance plans are a constant headache for businesses of all sizes. The good news? Innovative solutions are emerging to address these challenges. Telemedicine and subscription-based healthcare models are just a few examples, offering businesses a path toward more affordable and accessible healthcare benefits for their employees.
Considering a subscription-based healthcare model for your business? This article explores exactly what it is, its advantages and potential drawbacks, and how to assess if it’s the right fit for your company.
Let’s get started!
What Is a Subscription-Based Healthcare Model?
The traditional healthcare system often involves unpredictable costs and high deductibles. Subscription-based healthcare offers an alternative approach for businesses. In this model, businesses pay a fixed monthly or annual fee to provide employees with access to a defined set of healthcare services.
Think of it as a streaming service or a gym membership—but for healthcare.
The subscription-based healthcare model is often used by companies to provide employees with access to employer-sponsored onsite wellness centers, decreasing costs and making their healthcare benefits more efficient.
A key benefit of subscription-based healthcare is the opportunity for employees to have a direct relationship with a primary care doctor at a local healthcare clinic. These clinics often prioritize wellness and proactive health management, focusing on preventive care to keep employees healthy.
Providers practice broad-scope medicine on smaller patient panels, getting to know their patients personally in the process. This means they can handle a wider range of medical needs, from routine checkups to managing chronic conditions. The result? Patients can rely on their primary care physician for all their healthcare needs, creating a sense of trust and familiarity.
Subscription-based models don’t replace traditional health insurance. They are best seen as a way to bridge the gap between traditional healthcare pitfalls and affordable access to quality care.
Pros of Subscription-Based Healthcare for Businesses
The subscription-based healthcare model offers several advantages for businesses looking to provide cost-effective and accessible healthcare for their employees:
- Predictable costs: subscription-based models offer a fixed monthly or annual fee. This allows for better budgeting and cost predictability for businesses.
- Improved employee health: The focus on primary care and preventative services can lead to a healthier workforce. This translates to fewer sick days and increased productivity.
- Enhanced employee satisfaction: Subscription models often provide convenient access to care, including potentially shorter wait times and more personalized attention. This has a positive impact on employee satisfaction.
- Network flexibility: Some subscription models may offer more flexibility in choosing healthcare providers, potentially reducing network restrictions for employees.
Cons of Subscription-Based Healthcare for Businesses
While subscription-based healthcare offers advantages, it’s important to consider potential drawbacks for businesses:
- Limited coverage: Subscription models typically don’t cover major medical expenses like hospitalization, specialist care, or expensive medications. Businesses still need to offer traditional health insurance to bridge this gap.
- Not a one-size-fits-all solution: Subscription models may not be suitable for all businesses, especially those with employees who require frequent specialist care or have complex medical needs.
- Employee adoption challenges: Transitioning to a new healthcare model requires clear communication and education for employees. Businesses need to ensure employees understand what’s covered and how to access services.
Attract and Retain Top Talent with Competitive (Yet Affordable) Healthcare Benefits
Skyrocketing healthcare costs are making it hard for businesses to offer competitive benefits packages. But what if you could provide top-notch care for your employees without breaking the bank?
At QBS Solutions, we’ve partnered with Proactive MD to provide an alternative healthcare solution. Through this partnership, your employees gain access to:
- Patient-focused primary care: Build strong relationships with their doctors, who prioritize preventative care and well-being.
- Comprehensive services: Get treatment for routine checkups, chronic conditions, acute illnesses, and access to specialists for second opinions and complex care. This also includes miscellaneous healthcare needs such as physical therapy, wellness management, smoking cessation, and much more!
- Holistic approach: Address not just physical health, but also mental and behavioral well-being.
While the subscription-based model offers fantastic everyday healthcare access, you might still be concerned about unexpected situations requiring specialized care or hospitalization. We’ve got you covered!
We offer an additional option that can be layered on top of your subscription-based model. Using medical cost-sharing services through Sedera, your employees can become members of a cost-sharing community and share the medical costs within their community by contributing each month. If a member experiences an eligible medical event, the community shares the medical cost. These types of healthcare coverage models are used for major or catastrophic injuries or illnesses.
Ready to take control of your employee healthcare costs? Download our QBS Local Care Brochure to see how the subscription-based model can benefit your business and your employees. If you want to design a customized solution that meets your company’s unique needs and budget, contact a QBS employee benefits specialist today!
