With open enrollment approaching, global advisory, broking and solutions company Willis Towers Watson said employees should engage with their employers to better understand health insurance benefits.
Willis Towers Watson released the top 10 questions employees should ask their employers as they choose health plans for next year. The questions are based on data from the Willis Towers Watson 21st annual Best Practices in Health Care Employer Survey. The survey measured 600 employers' expectations of 2017 healthcare costs increases and plan changes.
Here are 10 questions for employees choosing 2017 health plans to consider, ranked by top priority.
1. Has prescription drug coverage changed? Data from the Best Practices survey found 88 percent of employers denoted managing prescription drug costs as their top priority. Employees should ask if their employers have a newly approved drug list or changed pharmacy benefit managers, suppliers or requirements for generic drug use.
2. What is the status of health coverage for a spouse and children? The Best Practices survey found 28 percent of employers reduced their contributions to spousal coverage by adding surcharges when spouses can get health insurance through their own employers. This percentage is likely to nearly double by 2018. The average surcharge is about $100 per month on top of premiums.
3. Are preferred physicians and other medical service providers still covered? As employers switch insurers, plans and providers to cut costs, employees may be left with narrow networks and out-of-network providers. Willis Towers Watson said employees should ask their employer if new plans will still cover preferred providers.
4. Has the employer taken steps to make healthcare costs more affordable? Some employers choose to change plans to lower out-of-pocket costs or lower premiums for low-wage workers. Some are offering and putting funds toward tax-free health savings accounts to lower out-of-pocket costs.
5. Has the employer changed administrators for medical benefits? While new administrators might not affect cost, asking employers about administrator changes could help employees find new telephone numbers or claims filing processes.
6. Is the employer offering new or expanded options for receiving care? Employers may offer employee incentives for using centers of excellence, and may offer more affordable options like telemedicine consultations.
7. Has the employer added new or expanded voluntary benefits? Voluntary insurance such as dental, vision, life and disability may be newly added by employers.
8. Does the wellness plan have new features to manage health or save money? Some employers offer financial incentives for employees who participate in wellness programs and track their health.
9. Has the employer added or expanded coverage for complementary or alternative medical services? Willis Towers Watson said employees should ask if employers cover physical therapy, chiropractic, acupuncture and massage services.
10. Has the employer added or expanded the use of technology for delivering and managing benefits? Tools like out-of-pocket cost calculators and other technology-based solutions may help employees evaluate, choose and purchase benefits.
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