10 Ways to Educate Your Employees to Become Wise Healthcare Consumers
Chrystine M. Heier CEBS, LIA
Principal, Sullivan Benefits
Have you heard? The latest Kaiser Family Foundation Survey found that the average cost of a family health insurance plan rose 9% this year to $15,073; triple the growth rate seen in 2010. While there are several components driving premium increases, the main component is the actual cost of medical care which is fueled by increasing physician and hospital charges, new and improved technology and the ever expanding use of expensive new drugs to treat conditions for which there were previously no drug treatments.
Employers are looking for creative solutions to mitigate future cost increases. While prevention is the most effective long-term cost control strategy, what else can be done? It's time to invest in educating your employees on how to choose cost-effective health care to become smarter healthcare consumers. Here are 10 ways you can engage your employees:
- Teach Them How Their Health Plan Works. Make sure they know the basics - what their deductibles, copayments and out-of-pocket costs are. But also help to educate them on what is and what is not covered, what procedures they must follow to ensure their claims are paid, and which providers and facilities to use to get the most cost-effective care. Read More.
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What "Numbers"?
Brought to you by Nan Maley, RN
Director, Corporate Wellness
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Although we have written on the importance of "Knowing Your Numbers" before, we feel it important to stress this employee education opportunity as we enter a busy open enrollment season.
During a heart check up, doctors take a careful look at an individual's "numbers," including cholesterol and triglyceride levels, blood pressure and more. Knowing one's numbers is important in keeping heart-healthy. It helps the individual and their doctor to know of potential risks and marks progress toward a healthier body.
To understand your numbers you need to know what they are and the goals you need to reach. Share the following chart with your employees to help them see where they stand. Encourage them to learn the steps they can take to reduce risk for heart disease. Once they know a few key facts about their numbers, they'll be on their way to mapping out a heart-healthy lifestyle for themselves and their loved ones! Read More |
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