Most employees in the United States rely on employer-provided health insurance to cover themselves and their families. While there are many different types of health insurance plans, all of them are important for employees. Here are three reasons why health insurance is so crucial for employees:
- Health insurance protects employees from financial hardship: If an employee falls ill or needs surgery, health insurance will help cover the costs. It can prevent employees from going into debt or filing for bankruptcy. In fact, according to a study by the Commonwealth Fund, medical bills are the leading cause of bankruptcy in the United States.
- Health insurance helps employees stay healthy: Employees with health insurance are more likely to get preventive care services, such as screenings for cancer and cholesterol checks. It can help employees stay healthy and avoid costly medical treatments.
- Health insurance is a legal requirement: The Affordable Care Act requires all employers with 50 or more employees to offer health insurance coverage. If an employer does not provide health insurance, the employees may be able to receive subsidies to purchase their coverage through the Affordable Care Act marketplace.
However, a company must not limit itself to the provision of health insurance. Other benefits can be just as valuable to employees regarding health. Here are a few things you can offer.
Dental Insurance
Health insurance covers many medical procedures that an employee may need but doesn’t always cover dental procedures. Most coverages require the employee to pay a deductible before the insurance starts paying, which can be expensive. Dental insurance can help cover those deductibles and make dental procedures more affordable for employees.
An employee does not usually need dental insurance, but it is a valuable benefit. It can ensure they get the much-needed dentist consultation whenever a dental issue arises. Cleaning and x-rays are usually part of dental insurance, and more comprehensive plans may even cover braces.
Companies should also consider partnering with a dental clinic should they struggle to dedicate their employees’ dental insurance budget. Discounts will still be available to employees, and the company can monitor how much is used.
Vision Insurance
Vision insurance is in the same boat as dental insurance. It is unnecessary, but it can help with the costs of vision correction procedures and annual eye exams. Glasses and contact lenses are usually not covered under health insurance plans, so vision insurance can help employees cover those costs.
Some companies also offer on-site vision services. This means that employees can get their annual eye exams at work, which can be more convenient for them. Employees may also get discounts on glasses and contact lenses through their employer.
Fitness Benefits
Physically fit employees are less likely to get sick and miss work. They are also more productive when they are at work. For these reasons, many employers establish a fitness culture for their employees.
Fitness benefits include gym memberships, on-site fitness facilities, and fitness classes. Some employers also offer discounts on fitness equipment or apparel.
Employers can also encourage employees to be active by organizing workplace wellness programs. These programs can include challenges, such as walking or running a certain number of steps daily or competition among employees.
Workplace wellness programs can help improve employees’ health and reduce the company’s healthcare costs.
Chiropractic Care
It will be challenging to evaluate if employees already have a chiropractor, but some companies offer in-house chiropractic services. This strategy is an excellent way to prevent musculoskeletal disorders, the leading cause of lost work days.
In-house massage therapy is also an option that can relieve muscle tension and improve circulation. It can help employees relax and reduce stress levels. If you want to provide this benefit, you can hire a massage therapist or contract with a massage therapy company.
There are mobile chiropractic services for companies that want to offer chiropractic care but don’t want to invest in the equipment. A reliable chiropractor will bring the necessary equipment to the workplace and provide services to employees during their lunch breaks or after work hours.
Mental Health Benefits
Mental health is just as important as physical health, yet it is often overlooked. Employees may feel like they cannot talk about their mental health at work because of the stigma attached to it.
Companies can help normalize mental health discussions by offering mental health benefits, such as counseling services and stress-reduction programs. These benefits can be provided on-site or through an employee assistance program.
Employers can also create a culture of open communication about mental health by educating employees about the signs and symptoms of mental illness. They can also provide resources for employees who may be struggling with their mental health.
Final Thoughts
These are only a few examples of the types of benefits that you can offer employees beyond health insurance. By providing these advantages, you can show your employees that you care about their health and well-being. You can also attract and retain talented employees who value these benefits.
