GiftCard Partners Blog

Winter is here, which means seasonal illnesses will begin to surface. For employers, keeping healthy employees is paramount to reduce absenteeism and keep healthcare costs down. When employees call in sick, it can be very costly due to reduced productivity and increased employer healthcare costs. Especially this year, with the ever-present threat of COVID-19, staying healthy and putting preventative practices in place is vital to avoiding illness.

It is important for program administrators, healthcare providers, and personal caregivers to take vested interest in proactive care towards Medicare and Medicaid members with chronic diseases. Keeping members healthy is beneficial for the entire care team, preventing health complications for members can reduce costly hospital visits for both the member and the program’s payors and providers. 

For most organizations, healthcare remains one of the largest and fastest-rising benefit expenses. And the challenge is only growing.

Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs), Medicaid/Medicare payers, and community health programs work year-round to improve preventive care compliance. Yet many beneficiaries still skip their annual screenings due to work conflicts, transportation issues, or a lack of understanding about the long-term value of preventive care.

As we head into 2021, employers are looking to turn the page on a tough year. However, the push for digital health and wellness programs is still prevalent and should be part of your 2021 plan. As many organizations remain remote, employees are missing out on health and wellness perks that were available while working in the office. It is important for employers to keep their employees motivated to stay healthy, especially through the winter months.