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Sponsored by: United Healthcare
October 12, 2021

Emerging Health Care Strategies for Employers

Tim Archer CEO, UnitedHealthcare of New England Employer & Individual

Earlier this year, Avon resident Tim Archer was named CEO of UnitedHealthcare’s commercial operations in New England. In this role, Archer helps lead the nation’s largest health care company by overseeing local efforts to provide employers and their members with access to health care benefits and services throughout New England. UnitedHealthcare, in partnership with its Oxford products, has more than 35 years of health care experience, today serving over 550,000 people in Connecticut enrolled in individual, employer, Medicare and Medicaid plans. Archer discussed emerging health care trends during open enrollment season.

Q: During open enrollment season, what advice would you give employers?

While encouraging a healthier workforce has long been a priority for employers, the COVID-19 pandemic has sparked a renewed focus for many organizations, underscoring the importance of providing people with access to health care benefits, information, and services. Medical care ranks as the second largest expense (behind salaries) for employers, so it is important organizations take a strategic approach to health benefits, which can help encourage a healthier workforce while reducing absenteeism and presenteeism.

For instance, health plans that incorporate wearable devices can encourage employees to get – or stay – active. UnitedHealthcare Motion® gives eligible people access to wearable devices at no additional cost and enables them to earn over $1,000 per year in financial incentives by meeting certain daily activity goals, including walking, cycling, strength training and swimming, among dozens of others.

Starting Nov. 1, millions of people enrolled in UnitedHealthcare fully insured, employer-sponsored health plans will have year-long access – at no additional cost – to Apple Fitness+, the first fitness service built entirely around Apple Watch for studio-style workouts and guided meditations. Starting next year, employers with self-funded health plans can select an “Apple Fitness Bundle,” which provides employees with a 12-month subscription to Apple Fitness+ as well as a $25 Apple gift card.

Q: You mentioned the use of technology, which obviously took on greater importance for health care access amid COVID-19. What trends are you noticing for employers?

COVID-19 accelerated the adoption of technology for everything from grocery shopping to workout routines, and health care has been no exception. Even before COVID-19, technology was transforming how many employers select and offer health benefits to employees, improving access to information while enabling people to obtain medical services virtually anywhere and anytime.

Many employers offer some type of virtual care benefit to their employees, so it may be helpful to expand coverage for these types of visits and enhance employee awareness of this technology. Company leaders will want to evaluate the virtual care options currently available to employees through their health plan, local care providers or other virtual service providers. UnitedHealthcare offers millions of members 24/7 access to virtual visits that can provide medical advice related to various health issues, including allergies, asthma, back pain, pink eye, and flu, among others. Virtual care has also emerged as an important resource for behavioral health, with UnitedHealthcare providing access to a network of more than 59,000 care professionals offering secure, real-time, audio and video-enabled visits with therapists.

For employees with certain health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, new remote-patient monitoring resources may offer access to potentially helpful technologies, including continuous glucose monitors, activity trackers and personalized coaching. In the future, new “digital-first” plans may provide people with a virtual care team, helping offer 24/7 support and enabling individuals to navigate the health care system more effectively.

Q: How else can technology help employers improve the well-being of their employees?

Employers have historically focused on helping improve access to medical care for employees, but social determinants of health, such as access to affordable housing and nutritious food, may influence up to 80% of a person’s health. With that in mind, some employers are investing in programs to help address social determinants of health, seeking to help resolve life factors that may affect overall well-being. Efforts can help employees access low- or no-cost community resources, enabling people to save on utility bills, prescription drug expenses, childcare and home repair costs. For instance, UnitedHealthcare recently introduced a new capability for employers that uses predictive analytics to help identify people experiencing challenging life events and then connect them to resources for assistance.

 

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