The Benefits of Using Flex Health
Cost savings: Direct care costs much less for employers than offering traditional health insurance. Businesses can use the savings to provide other benefits, such as subsidizing employee health sharing memberships, or to fund health reimbursement accounts (HRAs) so that employees can purchase their own health insurance in the individual market.
Removes the cost barrier between patients and family doctors: Studies show that even with insurance, many working families delay or skip doctor visits and receiving needed care because of deductibles and other out-of-pocket costs.
A study from PolicyGenius found that more than 1 in 4 patients skipped needed medical treatment or appointments because they weren’t even sure what their medical plans covered.
Across large numbers of people, that leads to increased systemic health care costs – and higher premiums.
Direct care removes that cost obstacle between patients and their family doctors. Because there are no co-pays, coinsurance charges, or deductibles in direct primary care, there’s no need for DPC patients to put off receiving the care they need.
Differentiator in a tight labor market: Providing access to medical care at no out-of-pocket cost can be an important differentiator when it comes to recruiting and retaining talent – particularly in industries where most workers don’t have access to more extensive plans, or where low wages otherwise make even seeing a primary care provider tough to afford for many workers.
Improved absenteeism, presenteeism, and productivity: Research shows that putting off or delaying health care, or stress related to health care, has significant effects on employers’ bottom lines. Workers with health problems miss work more often, and are less productive when they are at work. Access to routine and preventative care helps reduce or prevent absenteeism.
More efficient utilization.: When workers are able to see their own PCP as needed with no out-of-pocket costs, they are less likely to use more expensive modes, such as going to the ER for something that could be handled under the direct care physician.
Both employers and employees benefit: An ER visit can easily cost thousands of dollars. A PCP consultation costs nothing. It’s included in the monthly retainer or subscription.
