40% of Americans with insurance delay treatment | Why employers should prioritize new health options | Opinion: Better employee health benefits are good for business
Forty percent of employer-insured Americans say they have delayed health care because of the cost, and 1 in 6 said their work has suffered due to a health problem they didn't have the money to get treated, according to a survey by creditor Paytient and research firm Nonfiction. In 2023, an estimated 69 million Americans with employer insurance were essentially paying for health care out of pocket because they hadn't met their deductible for the year.
Employers that focus on only a few health and wellness options during open enrollment will save money, reduce confusion and see higher program participation, says Gravie Chief People Officer Amy Spartz, who suggests determining priorities by conducting employee surveys and listening sessions, reviewing claims data and working with a broker. "It takes time and resources to set up a new point solution provider and the overall cost of managing health insurance administration is extremely high, so working with a trusted broker and staying focused on key priorities will give your employees and company the best ROI," Spartz says.
Businesses can get a better return on their investment by improving health care costs, quality of primary care and digital engagement, Morgan Health CEO Dan Mendelson and Aledade CEO Farzad Mostashari write. Incentives that prioritize quality care and patient outcomes rather than the quantity of patients seen can enhance preventative screenings and reduce hospitalizations and emergency room visits, they write.
People should brush their teeth for at least two minutes twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening, according to the American Dental Association, but a person with braces, partial dentures or clear teeth aligners may also need to gently brush after eating. Flossing once a day can help prevent cavities, gingivitis, gum inflammation, periodontitis and eventually tooth loss. Studies have shown that good dental hygiene is linked to a lower risk of heart failure and atrial fibrillation as well.
Dental care for temporomandibular joint disorders can include splints and orthodontics, and it may also lead to multiple surgeries, grafting and prosthetic procedures, and metal implants in the worst cases. The condition is more common among women. "I would say that the treatments overall have not been effective, and I can understand why. We don't understand the disease," says Rena D'Souza, director of the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.
View the 2024 CONVERGE Prospectus for marketing opportunities designed to promote your brand to dental benefits industry leaders. Marketing options include Discovery Zone exhibit booths and sponsorships. Download the Prospectus today or contact Director of Meetings and Events Jeremy May or Exhibit Hall Manager Shayne Leatherwood for more information.
