How Does Health Advocacy Benefit both the Employer and Employee?

It has been demonstrated that 92% of employees with third-party benefits support say their employers value their health and well-being, compared to 66% of those without.

As employee benefits plans evolve, so too should the employer’s perspective, particularly when it comes to non-insurance benefits. More and more, employers are viewing benefits holistically instead of taking a siloed approach by personalizing the benefit plans to their workforce. Non-Insurance products are steadily becoming an integral part of more benefits packages, and in return, have decreased the overall cost of healthcare. These programs are creating the wellness balance employers seek in order to ensure the physical, financial and mental well-being of their workforce.

Though this trend continues, there are still plenty of employers unaware of the existence of their availability. If employers are expecting to attract and retain healthy and productive employees, there is no time like the present to begin aligning the interests and desires of their employees with the overall benefits package they provide.

One of the more supportive non-insurance products available is Health Advocacy, a patient-centered oversite aimed at the very core of the benefits provided. Health Advocacy provides an in-depth understanding of what the patient needs to ensure the very best care for that particular situation in a researched and resourced way. How does Health Advocacy work?

Health Advocacy makes healthcare easier for everyone.

Experts use compassion, advanced technology and hands-on support to help people navigate the complicated healthcare maze and guide them to the care they need, when they need it.

• Untangle medical bills and insurance claims
• Clarify benefits and answer questions about tests, treatments and medication options
• Coordinate care among multiple providers
• Assist with eldercare and related healthcare issues
• Arrange second opinions and transfer medical records

How does Health Advocacy work?

What if, for example, an employee is unsure if a necessary surgery is covered under the employee plan? Historically, the employee would be worried about any potential out-of-pocket costs, causing them to make multiple calls to the surgeon’s office and the insurance company, trying to get a clear answer.

With the benefit of Health Advocacy, the employee simply calls a single toll-free number for help. The employee’s Benefit Specialist is able to confirm that the surgeon and facility are in the plan’s network. In addition, the employee receives an explanation of the plan coverage and the percentage for which the employee would be responsible. The employee is connected to a Personal Health Advocate who then answers any questions about the procedure and the estimated recovery time.

The right care at the right time.

Perhaps the goal of the employer, then, should be to help employees get the right care at the right time, in order for them to return to a normal routine in a reasonable amount of time. It begins with having a clear support system in place to help employees navigate the healthcare system so they can make the right choices for themselves and their family members.

Help the Employee turn anxiety into action.

Facing a complex diagnosis or circumstances where an employee is uncertain about their care plan or next steps can leave them feeling vulnerable. Coordinating care and making treatment decisions, including knowing the right questions to ask, can be challenging tasks.

Empowering employees by enabling access to the answers they need prior to when decisions need to be made, most certainly alleviates the uncertainty and helps prevent concern about their (or a family member’s) health from affecting their productivity or disrupting their lives. Having an additional layer of support is key during these times of high stress and anxiety.

Expert support to find the right doctors.

In addition to helping to coordinate care and providing decision support to assist with understanding treatment options, another key element of Health Advocacy is helping to locate high-quality providers, including specialists and facilities, to meet employees’ individual needs. The focus on quality (such as leading academic centers and Centers of Excellence), can result in better outcomes and lower costs.

The process begins with a thorough clinical intake, followed by a comprehensive search to identify leading in-network providers. Making proactive outreach to provider offices to assess experience, confirm availability and help with scheduling appointments and transferring medical records are also key elements of the process. These personalized services help ensure that employees get to the right care quickly and efficiently. All of these services are augmented by an ongoing relationship with an advocate who can assist with any additional needs that may arise.

A win, win situation.

The culture of any organization is very often reflective of the benefits and compensation provided to its employees. Appropriately, aligning this desired culture with workplace benefits will continue to distinguish forward-thinking employers. Research shows that organizations who integrate Health Advocacy into their benefits offering experience improved health and productivity and lower medical costs. It’s a practical, winning solution for everyone involved.

When you enroll in healthcare coverage via Candor-USA, any coverage option you choose is bundled with Prosper Benefits, at no additional cost. This amazing suite of benefits helps you and your team keep healthcare coverage cost at a minimum while providing access to more healthcare benefits. Confidential Counseling, as well as Telemedicine, Health Advocate and Medical Bill Saver comprise this offering. Individually, each of these benefits offer the ability to save on your healthcare plans and goals, and together this package assists in reducing healthcare coverage plan claims and, when used, promises to reduce rate for the next years plan.

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