Health Insurance Literacy: Employees Need More Resources

Without a doubt, healthcare is a complex entity that includes multiple constituents beyond the patient and care provider. From various carriers to government regulations, the intricacies of healthcare can turn around even the most informed consumers. So, what happens when consumers become overwhelmed by options and guidelines? Among other factors, the complications lead to a lack of health insurance literacy.

Health insurance literacy is the degree to which an individual has the knowledge, ability and confidence to find and evaluate information about health plans, select the best plan for their own financial and health circumstances and use the plan accordingly. Related to the public health term “health literacy,” it focuses on individuals’ ability to make well-informed health decisions based on their plans.

Employees Speak Up

A recent study by Maestro Health surveyed 1,000 employees with employer-sponsored health plans about their sentiment towards the current state of healthcare as well as how it impacts their care-seeking decisions. The survey concluded that 35 percent of the employees either somewhat understand, don’t understand or know nothing about their healthcare coverage. Even if they do fully understand, 62 percent of respondents feel their employer does not serve as a resource for their healthcare-related questions.

Employer-sponsored insurance covers over half of non-elderly Americans – approximately 152 million adults. Therefore, this lack of understanding is detrimental to not only employee health and finance, but to an employer’s bottom-line and the nation’s growing healthcare deficit. Group plan premiums begin to skyrocket with the increase of unnecessary claims and absenteeism can set back a productive business. Diabetes, alone, costs U.S. employers $20.4 billion in unplanned absenteeism and the nation $246 billion in extra healthcare costs.

Providing Care and a Resource

Employee communication is a valuable factor. When done properly, it can leave employees feeling well-informed and confident in their care-seeking decisions. Therefore, healthcare professionals and companies must share the duty of providing transparent and insightful information. At Healthcare2U, we strive to do just that.

All Healthcare2U members seek better health and wellness with a phone call. Our bilingual Medical Assistants triage their symptoms and schedule either an in-person doctor visit or virtual telehealth. Should care be provided outside of Healthcare2U’s partner-clinics, our staff walks the member through their plan to explain alternative options and how to use them.

To learn more about how Healthcare2U serves as a resource to shield claims from employer-sponsored health plans as well as navigate patients through their coverage, contact us!