At IntoValue, we accelerate provider organizations’ success with direct-to-employer care. We are uniquely positioned to enable both providers and self-insured employers to improve employee health outcomes and care experience, all while reducing the cost of care.

Here, we share the most interesting thought pieces about innovations in improving employer-sponsored healthcare.

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BENEFIT DESIGN

Article | Recommendations for Health Plans and Pharmacists to Advance Coverage of Pharmacists’ Services in the Medical Benefit

Pharmacists working within health systems and medical groups that contract directly with employers have a real opportunity to improve access to care and likely reduce medication costs.

The American Pharmacists Association emphasizes the importance of promoting pharmacists' impact on patient care and advocating for standardized practice authorities. The article also highlights the need for collaboration between health plans and pharmacists in contracting, billing processes, and value-based payment programs. Additionally, it addresses challenges in enrollment, credentialing, and data exchange, offering solutions to improve the integration of pharmacists into healthcare systems.

ACCESSING CARE

Article | High Health Insurance Literacy Associated with Improved Vitality, Work Productivity, and Health Outcomes

Cigna Healthcare highlights the importance of health insurance literacy, defined as the ability to understand and use health insurance information to make informed decisions. The research says that improving health insurance literacy is crucial for enhancing overall health and vitality and driving business success. Individuals with high health insurance literacy have higher vitality scores, are more likely to rate their physical and mental health positively, manage chronic conditions effectively, and adhere to prescribed treatments. The article suggests that employers can play a critical role in improving health insurance literacy by investing in educational programs, interactive tools, and supportive environments.

IntoValue’s experience suggests that direct contracting between employers and care delivery organizations simplifies the relationship between the employee and the provider – in addition to investments in other areas.

HEALTH INSURANCE

Article | High-Deductible Health Plans and Receipt of Guideline-Concordant Care for Adults with Chronic Illness

High-deductible health plans (HDHPs) are a common insurance mechanism. This JAMA-published cohort study of 343,137 adults reports HDHP enrollment was associated with statistically significantly lower use of evidence-based clinic, laboratory, and prescription drug care for patients, across a variety of common chronic illnesses. The longitudinal cohort study found HDHP enrollment was associated with reduced receipt of recommended medical care across a variety of conditions.

Designing benefits in collaboration with health systems and medical groups through direct contracting creates an opportunity to ensure employees access and engage with providers in managing chronic illnesses.

HEALTH INSURANCE

Podcast | Unmasking the BUCAs: The Hidden Agenda Behind Healthcare Costs

An oldie, but a goodie. In this episode of the Healthcare Hangover podcast, Emma Fox and David Contorno discuss the factors that contribute to the rising costs of healthcare. Emma shares her "anti-BUCA" stance (Blue Cross, United, Cigna, Aetna) and the debate it sparked. The conversation explores medical loss ratios, pre-certification practices, and the systems that benefit insurers at the expense of employers and employees.

By building strong relationships between health systems and employers, there is opportunity to return clinical judgment back to the care delivery system – and rely less on traditional utilization management practices of health plans.

EMPLOYER-SPONSORED INSURANCE

Insight | Why Employers Are Recruiting Strong Public Health Communicators

Second Opinion observes that many employees lack sufficient understanding of their health benefits, creating a need for effective communication strategies. Employers are increasingly focused on promoting preventive health measures and ensuring employees use available resources. Recognizing their role as trusted sources of information, companies are actively recruiting individuals with strong public health communication skills. This trend is amplified by the need to address delayed care stemming from the pandemic and use digital platforms for better engagement. Ultimately, clear and consistent communication is seen as vital for improving employee health literacy and the use of benefits.

When IntoValue builds relationships between companies and provider organizations, there is a natural need for both all groups to “speak the same language.” Part of our solution builds collaboration and trust as both the employer and the provider work to ensure employees experience great care.