A recent Stanford study reveals that most U.S. employers prioritize controlling the costs of health plans over enhancing employee access to care. Although 74% of companies track health plan expenses, only 8% monitor the time employees spend getting their questions answered, and just 7% measure delays in care caused by insurance processes. This indicates a significant gap between managing costs and ensuring the quality of care for employees.
The Disconnect Between Satisfaction and Action
While 55% of employers claim that employee satisfaction is key when selecting health plans, only 17% actually gather data on employee satisfaction. This disconnect demonstrates that employers often fail to assess the real impact of their benefits on employees, missing out on opportunities to improve both their workforce’s health and satisfaction.
Why Focusing on Care is Essential
When employers focus only on cost management, they risk creating barriers to timely care that can negatively impact employee health. Delayed care and difficulty navigating insurance can lead to decreased productivity and lower morale, both of which harm the business in the long run. Healthy employees who can access care when needed are more engaged and perform better at work.
Shifting the Focus: A Holistic Approach
To improve outcomes, employers should shift their focus from solely managing costs to also enhancing the employee health experience. Companies should invest in tracking how employees use their benefits and address access issues to ensure timely care. Offering streamlined processes and monitoring satisfaction can improve overall health outcomes, increase productivity, and create a happier, more loyal workforce.
By focusing on both costs and employee care, employers can foster a healthier environment that benefits both the business and its employees.
For more details, read the full study here: Stanford Study.