How can businesses control health care costs in this tough economy?
One way is by designing your own benefits plan, such as looking at consumer-directed health plans or lower-cost alternatives. You can put in deductibles, add co-insurance, and, when appropriate, put in health savings accounts or health reimbursement accounts. You can let employees take ownership over their account. It’s their money; let them use it for their own services. If the employee has ownership, he or she will take better care of the money and how it is spent. You need to educate your employees about the appropriate care settings, such as urgent care centers. You can even have employees receive information on a particular procedure or test to determine if it is the best route to take. Ask questions to ensure that you are getting the best medical care that you can for your money. A more informed consumer is a better consumer. It makes a difference if you can sit down with your employees and tell them that you’re all in this together. Costs are accelerating, which comes back to yo
