Not a week goes by that we don’t discuss the rising costs of healthcare with our clients. As a PEO, we are often called upon to help our clients gain access to benefits that are only available to larger clients. We also offer different levels of coverage so you can choose what works best for your business and your financial situation.
Still, aside from the direct costs of health care which are climbing at 6-8% each year, there is a “hidden” indirect employee cost in term of lost productivity.
According to Employee Benefit News “A new poll shows 91% of Americans reported dealing with health benefits, health insurance or health care-related issues while on the job – and 45% said it affected their productivity. Workers reported spending an average of 3.5 hours per month dealing with health care related issues when they would otherwise be working.”
Our current health care system can be difficult to navigate. So, what can we do to help keep employees focused while at work?
Be more hands on. Employers can take a more active role in the health care benefits process from enrollment all the way to assisting with billing questions. First and foremost, employers need to provide comprehensive information to employees up front and following up to ensure understanding.
Once coverage is in place, you can provide employees with an expert resource to help answer questions about coverage, decode complicated claims forms, review bills, find providers, explain treatment options or even help prepare questions for doctor visits.
Of course there is a cost to the employer to provide access to this type of support, but the savings in productivity over the long-term is definitely worth it. An added bonus? Employees and management will feel more empowered and confident when making decisions about their current and future health care options – and an engaged employee is a productive employee.
