Here are some stats that may surprise you: According to one government study, just over 7% of adults 35 and over received recommended high-priority preventive services in 2022. Another nationwide survey of 100,000+ employees found that only 17% intend to complete their annual preventive physical in 2026. The bottom line: Usage is going down and costs, especially for those with chronic conditions, are going up.
5 reasons employees skip preventive care
Why is a benefit that comes at little or no cost in-network, that can help employees maintain their health, and that saves lost time and money not being used? Here are some explanations:
- ‘I feel fine’. An employee who “feels fine” assumes they “are fine” and doesn’t think about preventive care, even though conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol develop silently.
- Fear and anxiety. Symptoms that create anxiety can cause some employees to avoid annual check-ups because they’re afraid of hearing bad news. Fear or mistrust of doctors and potentially painful or uncomfortable procedures also keep people away.
- Wait times. Appointments with primary care physicians (PCPs) can take weeks to get, making it hard to juggle family schedules. One appointment can lead to more visits for diagnostic testing, multiplying the time it takes to get the full health picture.
- Access. Some areas, particularly rural areas, have few PCPs, and those may not be in-network or may not be accepting new patients.
- Cost. Under most plans, in-network preventive care is typically free. But associated lab work and diagnostic testing can result in unanticipated and sometimes large medical bills.
Be a part of the solution
Here are some things you can do to help reverse this trend in your organization:
Use Annual Enrollment to spotlight preventive care. As employees enroll in their health care plans this year, urge them to choose one that supports their good health all year long. Utilization is directly correlated to employee engagement, and Annual Enrollment is a perfect time to motivate action.
Communicate early and often. Ensure employees have a clear understanding of what’s covered and how it benefits them. Some screenings are annual, while others are based on a schedule. Explain the difference and where to get more information. Use periodic reminders linked to national events such as heart health or breast cancer awareness. Keep preventive care front and center throughout the year.
Make getting care more accessible. Consider onsite screenings and immunizations. Promote onsite and near-site clinics, encourage telehealth visits for physical and mental health, especially for employees in underserved areas. Employees having trouble finding a doctor can contact Member Services for physicians who are taking new patients or who offer evening or weekend hours
Connect the dots. Your plan may have multiple avenues to wellness, both internal and through external vendor partners. Give employees a more holistic look at physical and emotional health by connecting the preventive care and lifestyle programs offered through the health plan with wellbeing support programs through the EAP, wellness incentives, mobile health coaching apps and fitness center discounts.
Start now!
Preventive care is a win-win: It’s good for people and good for the bottom line. You can play a key role in improving and employee health, reducing absenteeism, and saving on healthcare costs for your company and your employees. Use this year’s Annual Enrollment to get the conversation started.
Need help with a campaign that shines a light on your benefits all year round? The O’Keefe Group is here to help.
