When Consumer Directed Health Plans (CDHPs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) were introduced several years ago, one of the primary goals was to help pare skyrocketing healthcare costs for employers. A secondary goal, which really needs to happen in order to achieve the primary goal, was to empower employees to take better care of their own health and monitor their healthcare spending.
A recent study conducted by Buck Consultants shows that this is beginning to happen.
Participants in the study say they are making healthier lifestyle choices, putting more money in their HSA accounts, shopping for lower cost prescription medication and researching healthcare options.
It’s not always easy to change behavior. “You can’t expect an employee to do something that benefits the employer if it is difficult,” said Devon M. Herrick, senior fellow at the National Center for Policy Analysis in Dallas. Employers need to give them tools to become better consumers and a reason to use those tools.”
“It all comes down to plan design, incentives, a communication strategy and facilitating right behaviors,” said Joann Hall Swenson, health engagement best practice leader for consultancy at Aon Hewitt. It’s important that when employees use healthcare services, they are aware of the costs and have an incentive to reduce those costs.
The most common incentive is an employer contribution to HSAs and HRAs connected to the CDHPs. But some employers are beginning to add a “stick” to their “carrot.”
The Buck survey shows that more employers are jumping on federal regulations that allow penalizing employees who don’t participate in wellness programs; nearly 40% of employers plan to add such penalties in 2012.
Businessolver can help you help your employees get the most out of their HSA. Online calculators and the ability to link to other sites without leaving the benefits enrollment page make it easy for them to make choices. Custom messaging options, surveys and wellness program tracking help keep them engaged all year.
For more information about how you can promote your company’s wellness program, contact Businessolver today.
