Being More Proactive About Health Means Being More Productive At Work
Preventative care in group health insurance plans is all about reduction. Reducing the likelihood and frequency of illness, injuries, and other health problems for your employees, reducing the number of sick days or disability claims that hurt your company’s productivity, and, importantly, reducing the cost of providing health insurance coverage to your California workforce.
The importance of preventative care to employers and employees alike is one reason that coverage for such services is required under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). But even if the law didn’t require covering preventative care services, doing so is in the interests of health insurance companies. After all, fewer sick employees mean fewer claims and fewer dollars the insurer needs to reimburse doctors, hospitals, and other healthcare providers.
Employee use of preventative care in group health insurance is thus a win-win-win for everyone involved. Here is what you need to know about preventative care for your workers and why you should encourage them to take advantage of these services.
Related: 6 Things Every California Small Business Owner Should Know About Health Coverage
What Is Preventative Care In Group Health Insurance Plans?
As the name implies, preventative care focuses on preventing potential health issues before they arise, as well as identifying and addressing them as early as possible to prevent them from becoming more serious.
There are several distinct services that fall under the broad umbrella of preventative care, all designed to detect and mitigate risk factors, provide early intervention, and educate individuals about healthy lifestyle choices. These include:
Routine Check-Ups
Routine check-ups are the cornerstone of preventive care, as they reduce the chances of a condition going undetected and provide an opportunity for patients to ask questions and doctors to provide guidance as to how to stay healthy. During a check-up, usually with a primary care physician, the patient will receive a comprehensive examination, evaluation of their medical history, and information about any matters of concern.
Screenings
As with check-ups, routine screenings focus on early identification of potential health problems. Early detection and treatment can be the key to surviving many types of chronic illnesses that become progressively harder to address. Examples of routine screenings covered as preventative care in group health insurance plans include mammograms for breast cancer, pap tests for cervical cancer, blood pressure checks, cholesterol screenings, colonoscopies, and various diagnostic tests for conditions like diabetes.
Vaccinations
Immunizations protect individuals against infectious diseases by stimulating the immune system to recognize and fight specific pathogens. By preventing the onset of diseases like influenza, measles, polio, hepatitis, and COVID-19, vaccinations not only safeguard individuals but also minimize the spread of such illnesses among a company’s workforce.
Patient Education
Empowering patients with the knowledge they need to make good choices about their health and well-being is also a key aspect of preventative care in group health insurance plans. This can include guidance on nutrition, exercise, weight management, smoking cessation, and stress reduction. This advice can reduce the risk of chronic diseases and enhance overall quality of life.
Benefits To California Employers Of Preventative Care In Group Health Insurance Plans
As noted, employees’ use of preventative care services benefits their California employers just as much as the workers themselves. Companies should encourage employees to take advantage of such care for three bottom-line reasons:
Cost Savings
By identifying and addressing health issues at an early stage, employees are less likely to require expensive treatments or hospitalizations. The lower cost of care for employees translates into lower premiums and other costs to employers for providing coverage.
Increased Productivity
When employees prioritize their health and well-being by taking advantage of the options for preventive care in group health insurance, they are more likely to experience improved overall health, fewer sick days, and increased productivity. Early detection and management of health conditions enable employees to stay in optimal health and perform at their best, reducing absenteeism and presenteeism.
Enhanced Employee Engagement and Job Satisfaction
California employers who actively promote preventive care services demonstrate a genuine concern for their employees’ well-being. This can foster a sense of loyalty, trust, and engagement among employees, leading to lower turnover and greater employee retention.
Let Preferred Insurance Help You Keep Your Employees Healthy and Productive
Helping California small businesses navigate the complicated landscape of health insurance coverage, and helping their employees take advantage of the preventative care options available under these plans, are the foundation of how Preferred Insurance can help them ensure that their workers stay healthy and covered.
As an experienced California individual and small business group health insurance broker, we can answer your questions and provide practical, affordable coverage options for businesses of all kinds.
Call Preferred Insurance today to schedule your free consultation with one of our experienced brokers to discuss your small business health insurance needs.