Explored virtual solutions for managing employee health care

With reopening on everyone’s minds, we needed to think about how we were going to take care of our people as they transitioned back to regular work styles. We hosted a virtual health fair and found our employees were looking for new opportunities, such as lifestyle adjustments and new health habits. 

As a result, one of our new organizational goals was to ensure our employees and their families have solutions that address multiple aspects of health and wellness.

But we needed a partner with an engaging platform that’s easy to access on mobile devices.

What we needed most

The pandemic revealed that many pieces of health care can be done via the Web and apps while maintaining clinical quality, providing convenient and accessible care for all employees.

The virtual health fair helped us identify a need to focus on mental health and diabetes management.

We looked around at what different health vendors were doing with cost-effective virtual care in these areas and found one that checked off all the boxes.

Diabetes management

The partner we chose examined claims data from our insurance carrier, identified our diabetic population and sent them free blood glucose monitors and test strips.

Since introducing a virtual diabetes management solution with personalized digital coaching and intervention, and self-guided activities related to diet and exercise:

• 38% of eligible employees are enrolled, and
• 80% of those enrolled are actively monitoring their A1C.

Keeping these employees healthy keeps costs down, but must be coupled with good mental health to improve ongoing condition management and adherence to care plans.

Enhanced wellbeing

Inspired by the response to the diabetes program, and feedback during our virtual health fair that our people would use a mental health app, we invested in a low-cost group subscription from the same vendor.

Mental health is an important element for condition management.

The app got valuable results:

• 33% of all employees reported improved wellbeing
• 30% said they’re getting better sleep, and
• 21% are having less anxiety and stress.

A top priority for HR pros right now is evaluating 2022 benefits offerings. The time is right to explore virtual health solutions that address the specific needs of your workforce.

(Gina San Giovanni, supervisor of benefits and HR services, AAA Northeast, as presented during the webinar “Taking Control of High Cost Care with a Whole-Person Approach”)