Supporting Employees With Expanded Behavioral Health Coverage

The American Psychological Association dubbed workplaces the “engines of psychological health and well-being,” noting that 92% of U.S. workers say it’s important that their organization supports their mental health. To meet employees’ needs and remain competitive in the hiring market, employers are going above and beyond physical health coverage to offer expanded mental health benefits.

However, whole-health support doesn’t stop there. Employing creative strategies to directly meet employees’ needs, such as implementing mental health days and providing subscription services for well-being apps, can set organizations apart. Since effective employee benefits help drive retention and attract top talent, this can help your business get ahead.

What To Look For When Offering Behavioral Health Coverage

Supporting your employees’ whole health means offering solutions that make it simpler, easier, and more affordable for them to access the care they need. Today’s best behavioral health programs both answer workforce needs and maximize return on investment through some of the following features.

• Data-Driven, Proactive Solutions 
  Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) use advanced algorithms to predict which strategies support whole health and provide personalized recommendations. Predictive insights can help deliver timely and important care, even when people may not be able to fully describe their symptoms. In fact, Anthem internal data shows that about 75% of Anthem’s Behavioral Health Case Management (BHCM) referrals result from predictive screenings.

 

• Real-Time, Digital Support
  It’s important to choose a health partner you can rely on to help employees find the right resources and care providers. Health coverage should offer personalized and real-time digital support. One example of this is Anthem’s Sydney^SM Health app, which allows users to browse benefits, find care, and participate in well-being programs from their smartphone or mobile device.

 

• Virtual Care Options
  Employees must be able to access and use the resources you offer, which is why virtual care is a transformative healthcare solution. Transportation and scheduling concerns are removed when employees can attend telehealth appointments from anywhere — and manage their health with 24/7 online access to care providers.

The Benefits Of Behavioral Health Coverage 

Still wondering about the payoff of adding behavioral health resources to employee benefits? According to internal Anthem data, nearly one-third of all video visits for urgent and specialty care are related to behavioral health concerns. This shows these resources are not just a “nice to have,” but rather an essential benefit that employees want and use. Embracing broader behavioral healthcare involves a cultural shift that addresses whole-heath needs, and top employers have started taking action to integrate mental health benefits into their traditional healthcare coverage.

Giving employees access to expanded behavioral health support can also directly impact your business’ financials. Since nearly 1 in 5 U.S. adults has a mental health condition, behavioral health has emerged as the sixth highest driver of medical care costs. Improving management of behavioral health support to directly meet employee needs helps reduce total medical costs and prevent hospital readmissions. Anthem internal data shows that integrating behavioral health with medical and pharmacy management routinely saves about 16% on total health costs.

This approach to improving your employees’ whole health is a critical step toward addressing the need for impactful mental and behavioral health programs. Help your employees feel covered and protected both at work and in life, so your organization can thrive today and in the years ahead.

Sydney Health is offered through an arrangement with Carelon Digital Platforms, a separate company offering mobile application services on behalf of your health plan.