Since the start of the pandemic, our society has seen a shift in healthcare benefits and services.
At the time, some of these changes were born of necessity, but we’re finding that they’re here to stay. Check out a few of these emerging health benefits trends and learn how they can benefit you and your loved ones.
Telehealth Remains an Option
In the height of the pandemic, social distancing applied to more than just family and friend gatherings. In trying to minimize exposure, doctor’s offices and hospitals asked patients to stay home for minor ailments and make a telehealth appointment instead.
Both care providers and patients enjoyed the efficiency and convenience of telehealth. Even as life slowly returns to normal, many medical offices are still providing remote care options. Whether you’re interested in speaking with a doctor about your current sinus infection or would like to save the commute to your counseling appointment and speak with your therapist over the phone, telehealth makes it possible.
If you’ve been putting off treatment because of a packed schedule, a long drive, or a preference to continue social distancing, now is the time to take advantage of receiving healthcare from the comfort of your own home.
Digital Health Provides Solutions
It’s never been easier to track your health, from smartwatches that count your steps or report the quality of your sleep to fitness video games and apps that offer meditation subscriptions.
While these are more impactful on a personal level, employers and health coverage providers are also finding creative ways to get on board with digital health. For example, many companies' benefit programs provide employees access to platforms that offer trackable health assessments.
Mental Health is Prioritized
As anxiety and depression levels spiked during the pandemic, it became clear just how important it was for both individuals and businesses to prioritize mental health.
According to a survey by Lyra Health and the National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions, two-thirds of employees reported that poor mental health undercut their job performance during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In response to stats like this, employers found ways to better address the importance of the mental wellbeing of their employees. Actions included offering free or low-cost counseling services and providing training to help management recognize signs of mental health issues.
Likewise, health coverage plans such as the ones provided through HealthChoice of Michigan provide mental health and substance abuse services. With healthcare coverage, you can also prioritize your mental health.
HealthChoice of Michigan understands the importance of keeping up with health benefits trends and is committed to offering coverage options that stay up to date with the very best that healthcare has to offer. Learn more about our coverage options for small businesses in Wayne and Oakland County.