Healthcare access may be bigger issue than affordability

Monday, 30 May 2011 16:00

News - Employee Health Benefits

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In a recent study of about 1,100 insurance agents, brokers and consultants, researchers found that the top concern regarding healthcare is access. Last year, the study reported that value and affordability were of greatest importance.

Additionally, the insurance professionals were asked about their predictions on how healthcare reform would affect their businesses.

"This survey is always a great gut check of the broker community when it comes to healthcare, and this year is no exception," said Denis Storey, editor of Benefits Selling magazine. "But it's never been more relevant or more revealing."

Less than half of the survey respondents said that healthcare reform would negatively affect their business.

These results suggest that organizations should review their employee health benefit packages to ensure that they provide adequate coverage to workers. A healthy staff may lead to stronger employee performance, reduced workplace stress as well as lower costs stemming from healthcare coverage.

Additionally, employee wellness programs that address stress relief and well-being could improve the health of a staff without the need for new health insurance packages.