Many health insurance carriers are getting involved in wellness but their service offerings don’t quit match up to what a wellness partner can provide.  The level, or lack, of service carriers provide could drastically affect the long-term results and ROI of a wellness program.

It is certainly enticing to use FREE carrier wellness services, however, if the wellness program does not produce verifiable cost savings, then FREE could result in an expensive lesson learned.

Based on our experience and industry data, here are some top reasons why employers are choosing wellness partners over carriers:

1. Owning the Data- carriers who fully insure companies will most likely not allow them to “own their date”, such as HRA data.  This inhibits companies from integrating their data with 3^rd party partners or keeping it if they switch carriers in the future.
2. Low Participation Rates- outside wellness partners provide employees with a sense of security and confidentiality.  With carrier wellness programs employees are often paranoid about sharing personal information.
3. Sensitive Cost Information- wellness partners analyze program outcomes with a true investment in population health management.  Carriers may use the HRA or program data as a reason to increase premiums.
4. Localized Services- wellness partners can easily create a one-stop-shop for employees to access the wellness program, other 3^rd party resources and carrier information.  Plus, they segregate reporting into sub-groups and provide customer support locally.
5. Total Population Health Management- wellness partners have more flexibility to offer services to the entire populations, regardless of health insurance eligibility if the employer chooses.  Carriers only offer services to plan members and can prohibit wellness cultural growth.
6. 6. Comprehensive Delivery- wellness partners assess, educate and engage employees in healthy behaviors.  Carriers typically just assess without providing tools or direction for sustainable growth and improvement.

The key is finding a highly advanced wellness portal capable of supporting partnerships with employers and carriers.  One that is able to integrate carrier data, compliment existing carrier programs or fully replace carrier wellness programs if desired.