According to MetLife's 11th Annual Study of Employee Benefits Trends, uncertainty around health care reform is not only affecting human resource departments, it's also having a direct impact on employees. Over half of those employees who are very concerned about having access to affordable health insurance, 54%, are also more likely to report stress and distraction at work. Employers can help address workers' concerns and increase productivity by enhancing their benefits program with voluntary supplemental health products, wellness programs and by increasing benefits communications.

The MetLife study found 61% of employees are concerned about having enough money to cover out-of-pocket medical costs that are not covered by health insurance such as premiums, deductibles, co-pays and travel.  These concerns are compounded by other financial concerns facing employees: 55% of employees report they worry about meeting their monthly living expenses and three out of four employees who are very worried about meeting out-of-pocket medical expenses don't have a three- month salary saving cushion to tap into.

Voluntary supplemental health benefits continue to play an integral role in employers' benefit offerings. In fact, 58% of employers say providing voluntary benefits is a significant benefits strategy – up dramatically in 2012 from 32% in 2010.  These benefits offer a cost-effective solution for employers that can also help to strengthen employees' financial safety net. This is especially important as employees face the burden of increasing out-of-pocket health costs and uncertainty around health care reform.  Voluntary supplemental health benefits, such as accident, critical illness, and disability insurance, can help address these issues and reduce employees'  stress without increasing the employer's bottom line.