An innovative advisor will work to deliver the best possible health care experience for employees at the lowest possible cost to them and to their client's business. One of the strategies they'll implement in order to make this goal a reality is to collect health and medical data from employees for underwriting. Some of the information may include:

• Chronic conditions
• Past surgeries and procedures
• Family history of disease

The phrase “data gathering” and the nature of the questions may worry some employees. The right adviser, however, will work with a team of people who empathize with workers' concerns. This means that they'll not only recognize the fear and frustration that the health care system may have caused employees, but also work tirelessly to offer them a newer, better health care experience.

Part of this improved experience means operating under a commitment to privacy, anonymizing data and openly explaining to both employees and business leaders that employees' medical information won't be shared directly with their employer. A good adviser will make it clear that the data they gather from employees will only be used as a tool to achieve high-value health care; if an adviser can't effectively deliver this message and make employees feel comfortable with this crucial process, the company may want to consider another adviser.

Here are some of the ways that data gathering and underwriting can create a better benefits plan for employees: 

Lower costs 

Underwriting has developed a somewhat negative reputation due to large insurance companies who have used the process to raise premiums or deny coverage to patients because of their medical history. An adviser's goal, however, is to lower employees' health care costs, and the underwriting process is another tool they can use to do so.

By collecting relevant medical data, an adviser can ensure that employees are paying only for the benefits they need. For example, if an employee's medical history reveals no pre-existing conditions or tobacco use, there's no reason for them to pay for a benefits plan that assumes they'll need heart surgery later this year. On the other hand, if an employee might be at risk for significant health problems, an adviser can recommend preventative services that might lessen the severity of the situation while still accounting for the potential treatment down the road. Under this model, the proactive approach to health care means a better experience for the employee and significantly reduced costs for all parties, especially if the need for the major procedure is eliminated with early intervention. The more an adviser knows about employees' medical data, the more equipped they'll be to find opportunities to save them money.

Increased engagement 

The more employees are engaged with their benefits plan, the more likely they are to implement the tools and strategies an adviser recommends. When an adviser sits down with employees one-on-one to help them complete a medical questionnaire, it gives them the opportunity to educate employees on how they can win using the tools provided to them. It also establishes a kick-off point for future face-to-face meetings between employees and advisers, increasing the level of trust between employees and the people managing their benefits plan. 

A personal touch 

Appreciation and recognition are important for employees. A study by Office Team revealed that 66 percent of workers would quit if they didn't feel appreciated at their job, and a benefits plan provides various opportunities to let employees know how much they're valued. When an adviser sits down with employees and builds a benefits plan that's designed to give them the best care at the lowest cost, it sends workers a message that they matter.

For a growing business, this personal touch is crucial and can be a huge advantage against competition. Large corporations are far more likely to provide one-size-fits-all coverage for their employees, which can end up being more expensive for both workers and the business. Ensuring that each employee gets one-on-one time and assistance from an adviser through the data collection process can make a big impact on how they view their worth within the company. 

The right data in the right hands 

Advisers can help make the data-gathering and underwriting process a tool to increase employees' satisfaction with their benefits plan. Being able to properly assess and anticipate employees' individual health care needs doesn't just help them save money, it also engages them with their plan and lets them know that their employer truly values them.