3 health plan changes employees want most

U.S. employers paid nearly $880 billion in health care benefits last year. To put that into context, Starbucks spent more on health benefits than coffee beans, according to The Wall Street Journal. I’m sure your clients can relate.

Health care costs are pinching their employees, too: 44 percent of Americans said they avoided the doctor last year when they were sick or injured due to cost. It’s a lose-lose. And their care avoidance is costing businesses a lot of money: illness-related productivity loss cost an estimated $530 billion last year.

It’s not sustainable for employees to shoulder the high cost of health care. Why? Businesses can’t afford to have unhappy employees in today’s competitive talent market. The best candidates field multiple offers—that gives them added leverage and intolerance for inferior benefits. It’s critical your clients offer an attractive health insurance plan that lowers cost for them and their employees, and empowers employees to define their health.