As HealthShares become more popular, employer-sponsored HealthShare memberships may be offered as part of workplace benefit packages. This might be a bit confusing for employees who are unfamiliar with medical cost sharing. This article aims to provide a general overview of what to consider when employees are presented with medical cost sharing options at work.
Employer benefit options: combining HealthShares and insurance
Some employers who work with HealthShares will usually provide a HealthShare membership for services such as hospitalizations and surgeries, and then they will offer a traditional, basic insurance plan to help with preventive care such as doctor visits and prescriptions. This alternative approach, splitting healthcare costs into these two sections, helps employers save money while still giving employees access to the care they need. Partnerships between HealthShares and other companies, such as Scoop Health with Sedera, may offer combined packages.
Choosing the right benefits plan
Employers should review basic health plans and HealthShare guidelines thoroughly and choose a plan that facilitates easy access to primary care, specialists, prescriptions, immunizations, and other critical needs. Investing more in a comprehensive benefits package provides employees with access to necessary care and attracts and retains quality talent.
Employers offering combined HealthShare-and-insurance plans usually have a few options for employees to choose from, and the employee’s best chance to find one that will work for them is to know what they need. Employees must take the time to read all the information carefully and pay attention to how the plan will pay for pre-existing conditions, doctor visits, routine care, mammograms and colonoscopies, surgeries, and prescriptions. Note any restrictions and assess their potential impact. Healthcare decisions can be life changing, so it’s advisable to proceed thoughtfully.
Employee-sponsored HealthShare memberships can be a viable option for businesses and employees, but those employees should ensure the offered care meets their needs before joining.
