Dr. Greg Carnevale is the chief medical officer for UnitedHealthcare of Delaware.
In the past, an imperfect and often complicated health care system, along with rising costs, impacted consumers’ ability to easily access care.
In fact, nearly 11% of adults nationally and nearly 9% in Delaware avoided care due to the expense during 2023, according to America’s Health Rankings’ 2024 report.
As technology continues to reshape many aspects of our lives, employers and health plans are increasingly offering new digital tools, benefits and programs that aim to make the health care experience simpler, more affordable and better.
Here are some tips to more easily connect with quality care and potentially save more money.
Take advantage of digital tools that compare care options
Many people like to research products before making a purchase, and the same is often true with health care. In fact, a recent study found that nearly half of people research doctors before scheduling an appointment.
Comparing options ahead of time and making more informed decisions may result in better access to care and lower costs. Some employers and health plans now offer innovative solutions that aim to do just that. Talk to your employer and health plan about what’s available.
Understand what wellness programs are on hand
About 80% of U.S. businesses with more than 50 employees now offer such resources, according to a recent survey, but many people don’t fully take advantage of what’s available to support their health and well-being.
Some employer wellness initiatives can help people stay focused on their health goals, manage chronic conditions like Type 2 diabetes and obesity, and even save more money, in part by utilizing technology.
You may be eligible for incentive-based wellness programs, available through some employers and designed to reward healthier choices. With these, eligible members can earn rewards for completing tasks like taking health surveys, getting an annual checkup, walking a certain number of steps, tracking hours slept and more.
You may be able to earn rewards through your health plan for activities like your annual wellness visit or getting certain preventive screenings. Talk to your health plan and employer to understand what’s available.
Make your mental health a priority
Taking care of your mental health is important to your overall well-being, as your emotional frame of mind may impact your physical health. If you’re struggling, treatment may help you feel better and live a healthier life.
Mental health challenges continue to grow and can have a significant impact on working-age adults and many others. To focus on just one condition, 40 million American adults suffer from anxiety disorders that can impact quality of life and well-being, and anxiety is now the No. 1 mental health issue among American workers.
To address these challenges, many employers offer accessible and flexible mental health offerings — such as therapy apps and virtual counseling — that can provide convenient, confidential support.
Some health plans also have behavioral health care programs to help with substance use, stress, anxiety, depression and more. Some insurers also supply specially trained advocates, so members can find the right type of behavioral health care or resources.
Make virtual care a starting point
Virtual care, also called telehealth, has expanded from aiding people who are already sick to detecting and preventing illnesses and more effectively managing chronic conditions.
Many people enjoy the flexibility offered by virtual care, and some plans are now built around it. Virtual services offer 24/7 access to urgent care, in addition to medical and behavioral health and other care, via a smartphone, tablet or computer — and transitions to in-person support when necessary.
Other options may include virtual primary care for regular health visits or virtual therapy from a mental health professional.
Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.
