A service that serves employees’ out-of-network needs
- There are services that review and resolve out-of-network balance medical bills
- More and more employers are including medical bill negotiation as a plan benefit
- Medical bill negotiation may benefit both employees and employers
The potential impact of health care costs on recruiting and retaining employees
Health care costs are continuing to rise, which makes managing medical expenses a pressing concern for both employees and employers.
Many employers are expected to absorb most of the higher costs to remain attractive to top talent and retain their workforce.1 Economic pressures have led some employers to consider reducing health benefits or shifting costs to employees, which could negatively impact recruitment and retention efforts.2
The increasing costs of health care and economic pressures have also resulted in employees deferring or delaying care, ultimately leading to higher long-term costs for employers.2 In 2024, the average cost for U.S. employers providing health care for their employees is projected to increase by 8.5% to over $15,000 per employee.3
Clearly, the effective management of medical costs is critical — especially the cost of more expensive out-of-network services. But examining and understanding the bills can be challenging and time-consuming. Dealing with complex out-of-network medical bills can be stressful, anxiety-provoking and a major distraction from work.
Helping solve the problem
The emergence and growing use of health care advocacy services that review and resolve medical bills — especially when integrated into plan benefits — is not surprising since it can help solve the problem of out-of-network costs.
These services, such as Naviguard®, leverage their extensive knowledge of billing codes and market data to review bills, identify errors and contest inflated charges. In many cases, negotiation is appropriate, and medical bill services provide valuable support by assuming the responsibility of negotiating with providers and payers on behalf of plan members.
Less stress and distraction, more productivity.
By providing these services as a benefit, managed care organizations and employers contribute to the well-being of employees and their families, helping make health care more accessible, and sometimes, more affordable.
Employees can focus on their well-being and work, without the stress of engaging in complex billing discussions. Employers are able to minimize costly distraction and concentrate on running their business.
The benefits of clarity and price transparency
The integration of medical bill services adds clarity and price transparency to the billing process. People gain a better understanding of their medical bills, the services they receive and the associated costs.
This heightened clarity enables health plan members to make better informed decisions about their care. They’re able to navigate the health care system more effectively, strengthening their ability to select appropriate providers and manage their costs.
Including balance medical bill negotiation services can help improve the financial well-being and satisfaction of plan members. As the health care landscape continues to evolve, this service holds promise for a more efficient health care system — one that works better for both employees and employers.
RESOURCES
- Think all medical bills are what they should be? Please think again.
- What is out-of-network balance medical billing?
REFERENCES
- "Helping employees navigate rising health care costs" Rental Management, November 13, 2023
- "More employees deferring care may mean higher costs for employers" UnitedHealthcare, April 4, 2023
- “Big Increase Projected for 2024 Employer Health Costs” SHRM, August 28, 2023
- “Record High in U.S. Put Off Medical Care Due to Cost in 2022” Gallup, January 17, 2023