9 included health insurance benefits that add value for employers
When it comes to selecting a health insurance carrier for your employees and their families, a lot of things come into play: administrative costs, the strength of benefits and services, access to providers, educational materials and resources and more are important factors.
But what about the little (or big) extras that come at no additional cost to your business or employees? These built-in services help keep your employees engaged in their health. Does your current health insurance carrier offer these bonus benefits?
1.
Time-saving benefits administration tools
Lighten your workload and keep up with all your employees’ benefit needs in one convenient location. With Wellmark, you have access to Employer Connection, a platform designed specifically for HR administrators, benefit specialists and other professionals like you.
This secure website helps you manage your health insurance admin work and stay informed on important operational news relevant to you. Plus, it simplifies communication with your employees when you download free educational materials from the Marketing Toolkit.
Don't have an Employer Connection account? We've got you covered. Register for an account today.
Effortlessly manage your health plan
Employer Connection lets you pay your bill, download free educational materials for your workforce, order ID cards and more, all in one place. Log in today.
2.
Tools to help employees navigate their health coverage
Your employees can save their time and energy with myWellmark®. Whether it's finding an in-network doctor, tracking their out-of-pocket spend for the year, seeing if a service is covered or even getting a cost estimate for an upcoming procedure, myWellmark puts the information they need at their fingertips.
myWellmark makes it easier for employees to find mental health support. When they log in, they can get connected with Wellmark's Case Management Program for mental health or take a free and confidential screening for anxiety and depression. If you want your employees to be engaged in their health and well-being, myWellmark is step one.
Download the myWellmark flyer to share the perks of myWellmark with your employees.
3.
Cost-saving, exclusive employee deals and discounts
Who doesn't like a good deal? Whether it's through local business-to-business partnerships, programs from area chambers of commerce or even business-district discounts, deals can positively influence purchase decisions. At a national level, Wellmark customers get exclusive access to Blue365®. The site features discounts on anything from fitness equipment and activity trackers to apparel and nutrition.
Deals are announced regularly, and your employees can stay informed with a weekly email sent straight to their inbox. Encourage your employees and their families to sign up for Blue365.
4.
Coverage for when your employees are traveling
Whether traveling for business or pleasure, your employees and their families may go outside of their coverage area. But that shouldn't mean they're left without options if they need to seek care.
For Wellmark customers, the BlueCard® program has employees and their families covered. Those on a PPO or POS* network plan can take advantage of our national network for all their care needs no matter their location. Employees with an HMO plan can travel knowing they’re covered for out-of-network emergencies.
For more information, and to find an in-network national doctor or hospital, employees can log in to myWellmark or visit the Blue Cross Blue Shield doctor search.
5.
Easy answers to health-related questions
Whether it's through self-service information, accessible customer service representatives or an easy-to-use messaging center, employees deserve to get accurate answers and assistance the moment they need it — not in 10 business days.
Enter BeWell 24/7® Nurse Support, which connects Wellmark customers with real people who can help address a variety of health-related concerns no matter the day or time. Your employees and their families can get help managing complex situations, decision-making support and more. Just have them call 844-842-3935 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
6.
Ongoing health and benefits information for employees
Keeping your employees up to date on the latest benefit news and trends in healthy living is an important part of maximizing the value of health insurance coverage. That's why BlueSM was created for Wellmark members to help them get the most from their plans and live healthier lives.
Members get this valuable content on Blue online or can subscribe to get the free monthly e-newsletter straight to their inbox.
7.
Proven care and results with accredited facilities
If your employees require specialized care — like surgery or transplant — they may have access to Blue Distinction® Centers. These facilities are recognized for their proven history of delivering exceptional care and results. This could mean fewer complications, lower readmissions and higher survival rates.
Hospitals and facilities are evaluated based on pre-determined standards to earn a Blue Distinction Center designation, and all Wellmark members have full access to the Blue Distinction network — no matter their plan.
Learn more about the program and search for designated Blue Distinction Centers.
8.
Fast, easy access to virtual care
Virtual visits provide increased convenience and satisfaction for your employees — and reduced time away from work and costs for you. Plus, virtual visits also check the box for the convenience typically addressed by higher-cost urgent care centers or even emergency rooms.
For the quickest and easiest way for Wellmark members to see a doctor or mental health professional from a phone, tablet or computer, encourage employees to download the Doctor On Demand® app. Over live video, employees can connect with a board-certified doctor who can treat the most common medical conditions, including mental health, and even prescribe medications, if needed.
9.
Personalized pregnancy support
Within a given year, 3.6 million babies are born in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). When an employee becomes pregnant — they are likely to have a lot of questions and decisions on their mind. How can you support them even if they're not ready to announce their pregnancy? A program that's ready when they are is a good first step.
Wellmark's Pregnancy Support Program features resources, such as Count the Kicks®, via myWellmark. Or, after an initial assessment and evaluation of claims data, employees with high-risk pregnancies will have access to the support of case management throughout their pregnancy journey.
Find even more on Blue@Work
Check out the Healthy Employees and Resources sections of Blue@Work for even more guidance for your workplace.
Questions? Contact your authorized Wellmark representative, or email blueatwork@wellmark.com to learn more.
Disclosures
This article is intended for fully insured groups in Iowa and South Dakota.
*Members on a POS network may have to pay an out-of-network cost share, which would increase their cost.
Doctor On Demand by Included Health is a separate company providing an online telehealth solution for Wellmark members. Doctor On Demand® is a registered mark of Included Health, Inc.
Doctor On Demand physicians do not prescribe Drug Enforcement Administration-controlled substances and may elect not to treat conditions or prescribe other medications based on what is clinically appropriate.
For plans that include benefits for mental health treatment, Doctor On Demand benefits may include treatment for certain psychological conditions, emotional issues and substance use disorder. Services performed by Doctor On Demand clinicians are covered. For more information, call Wellmark at the number on your ID card or call Wellmark Customer Service.
Blue Distinction Centers (BDC) met overall quality measures for patient safety and outcomes, developed with input from the medical community. A Local Blue Plan may require additional criteria for providers located in its own service area; for details, contact your Local Blue Plan. Blue Distinction Centers+ (BDC+) also met cost measures that address consumers’ need for affordable healthcare. Each provider’s cost of care is evaluated using data from its Local Blue Plan. Providers in CA, ID, NY, PA, and WA may lie in two Local Blue Plans’ areas, resulting in two evaluations for cost of care; and their own Local Blue Plans decide whether one or both cost of care evaluation(s) must meet BDC+ national criteria. National criteria for BDC and BDC+ are displayed on www.bcbs.com. Individual outcomes may vary. For details on a provider’s in-network status or your own policy’s coverage, contact your Local Blue Plan and ask your provider before making an appointment. Neither Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association nor any Blue Plans are responsible for non-covered charges or other losses or damages resulting from Blue Distinction or other provider finder information or care received from Blue Distinction or other providers.
Count the Kicks® is a registered trademark of Healthy Birth Day.