Five Features Health Insurance Carriers Look for in Their Vendors

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The focus of employer-sponsored wellness programs is shifting from treating illnesses to proactive care and behavioral health. Health insurance carriers are searching for vendors that offer services that help employees avoid more expensive and intrusive care down the line by targeting risk factors such as obesity, stress, and high cholesterol.

Insurance company leaders and the Wellness Council of America (WELCOA) Trailblazer awardees discussed how COVID-19 has influenced employee wellness needs and what factors encourage high engagement in health services.

Five features health insurance carriers search for in vendors include:

• A focus on proactive care and behavioral health

• Ease of use to encourage employees to get the most out of their benefits

• Customization options

• Reporting functionality

• Member engagement strategy to increase employee impact

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of mental and behavioral health has increased, and employers see these services as interdependent with physical health. Services that offer distinct programs for different audiences and are easy to understand are used more regularly throughout organizations. Health vendors must also understand the audience they are targeting, including employees' cultural backgrounds, ages, and economic statuses. The shift to remote work has also highlighted the importance of benefits that cater to in-person, remote, and hybrid working situations.

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