One of the simplest ways benefits administrators can help employees manage health care costs is by encouraging them to choose the right place for care based on the situation. Many employees automatically turn to the emergency room for nonemergency conditions, which can lead to significantly higher costs for both the employee and the health plan.
Sharing a simple framework can help employees make more informed decisions while improving convenience and reducing unnecessary expenses.
Consider reminding employees of these general guidelines:
- Use virtual care through Teladoc for common conditions such as colds, flu symptoms, allergies, pink eye, rashes, or minor infections when an in-person visit may not be necessary. Receive support to help address pain and recover from injuries through Hinge Health.
- Use urgent care for conditions that need prompt attention but are not life-threatening, such as sprains, minor cuts, ear infections, or persistent fever.
- Use the emergency room for serious or life-threatening situations such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe injuries, or signs of stroke.
Helping employees understand these options can:
- Improve access to timely care
- Minimize unnecessary emergency room visits
- Help employees feel more confident using their benefits
- Reduce avoidable high-cost claims
This is also a great opportunity to remind employees about available resources such as virtual care, provider search tools, and the GHP Claims Information Site, which can help them navigate their health coverage and care decisions.