Our News

Employers continue to look for ways to improve employee health while also managing rising healthcare costs. One of the most effective—and often overlooked—strategies is encouraging employees to take advantage of preventive care.

Preventive care focuses on identifying potential health concerns early and helping individuals maintain overall wellness before issues become more serious. The good news for employees is that most preventive care services are covered at 100% under employer-sponsored health plans, meaning there is typically no out-of-pocket cost when using in-network providers.

Encouraging employees to use these services can lead to healthier teams, improved productivity, and lower long-term healthcare costs.

What Is Preventive Care?

Preventive care includes healthcare services designed to prevent illness or detect health issues early, when they are often easier and less expensive to treat.

Common preventive services include:

• Annual wellness visits and physical exams with a primary care provider

• Routine health screenings such as blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar testing

• Cancer screenings like mammograms and colonoscopies

• Vaccinations and immunizations, including flu shots

• Mental health screenings for conditions such as depression and anxiety

• Lifestyle counseling related to nutrition, exercise, and stress management

• Routine eye exams to monitor vision and detect potential eye disease early

Most health plans are required to cover these services at no cost to the employee when performed by in-network providers, making them one of the easiest ways for employees to take control of their health.

The Role Employers Play in Preventive Health

More than half of American adults live with at least one chronic condition such as heart disease, diabetes, or hypertension. Many of these conditions develop over time and can be influenced by lifestyle factors, including diet, physical activity, stress, and sleep.

Employers are in a unique position to encourage preventive care and support healthier behaviors within their workforce.

When employees engage in preventive care, it can lead to:

• Earlier detection of health risks

• Better management of chronic conditions

• Reduced absenteeism

• Improved productivity and engagement

• Lower long-term healthcare costs

Supporting preventive health is not only beneficial for employees—it also strengthens the overall health of an organization.

Encouraging Employees to Take Advantage of Preventive Care

Employers can play an important role in helping employees understand and utilize their preventive care benefits. A few simple strategies include:

• Communicating that annual preventive visits are typically covered at 100%

• Encouraging employees to establish a relationship with a primary care provider

• Promoting annual physicals, screenings, and vaccinations

• Highlighting mental health resources and screenings available through the health plan

• Reminding employees that preventive care is designed to keep them healthy—not just treat illness

Small reminders throughout the year can make a big difference in helping employees stay engaged in their health.

Investing in Prevention Benefits Everyone

Preventive care is one of the most valuable benefits available in an employer-sponsored health plan, yet many employees don’t fully utilize it.

By encouraging employees to take advantage of preventive services, employers can help build a healthier workforce, improve long-term outcomes, and support a culture of wellness.

A simple annual check-up today can prevent much larger health challenges tomorrow.