Clarity Benefit Solutions Discusses Why Employers Are Shifting Focus from Cost-Sharing to Care Management

NEW YORK, Dec. 12, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Commuter benefits company Clarity Benefit Solutions discusses why employers are shifting focus from cost-sharing to care management.

With the cost of health benefits rising, particularly for smaller employers, there is a paradigm shift from cost-sharing to care management. Unfortunately, healthcare costs can place a burden on many employees, so employers are assisting employees with implementing cost-saving measures that will not only take the onus off employees but render these benefits more affordable. This includes directing employees to cost-effective yet quality providers, improved management of specialty medications, and properly treating and preventing addiction to opioids.

Many small employers are shifting to high-deductible, consumer-directed health plans (CDHPs), which cost less money than their traditional counterparts. Employers typically offer CDHPs with Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) so employees can maximize these benefits.

Employers are also continuing to add services such as telemedicine, so employees can receive diagnoses on illnesses without venturing into an office. Telemedicine services also make it easy for them to seek second opinions from qualified medical specialists. Plus, targeted programs that lend support to employees with chronic ailments and problems, such as diabetes or cancer, are also on the rise. These care management programs offer support throughout the course of the health issue—and can also help resolve any care issues that may arise.

Some employees are taking these programs one step further by offering employees with access to Centers of Excellence (COE) for surgeries and other procedures, such as transplants, oncology, or bariatric care. Options such as these result in cost savings, more positive patient outcomes, and overall greater patient satisfaction.

Forward-thinking employers who focus on their employees' health and well-being by offering them effective strategies to manage their care rather than focus solely on costs will truly make a difference in their employees' lives. Additional steps employees can take to encourage a healthy overall lifestyle include providing healthy good choices in both meetings and cafeterias, providing on-site fitness facilities, offering resources that support financial health, and including technology-based resources (think wearables) that encourage employees to take charge of their health and fitness.

About Clarity Benefit Solutions: Clarity Benefit Solutions provides technology that makes the health insurance plan selection process fast, easy, and straightforward. For over two decades, we have provided clients with industry-leading technology, compliance, and exceptional customer service. Our offering is designed to save time and lower the costs of managing benefits while also promoting employee self-service and automated ACA compliance.

SOURCE Clarity Benefit Solutions