UHC debuts resource hub in bid to expand wellness programs, lower costs
The hub includes more than 20 health programs, including point solutions focused on healthy living and financial planning.
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UnitedHealthcare is debuting a new resource hub designed to help simplify the process for employers of selecting and purchasing health programs for employees. The idea is that members will have an easier time using wellness offerings while employers will see a financial benefit.
The UHC Hub, which debuted this month, includes more than 20 stand-alone health programs available for self-funded customers to purchase, including point solutions focused on healthy living, financial planning, complex health conditions and digital coaching.
For employers, UHC said the platform helps simplify the experience by taking care of procurement, vendor management, integration and billing for third-party health solutions, which the insurer claimed may lead to savings of up to 15% compared to the traditional cost of the solutions.
WHAT'S THE IMPACT
The new platform builds on UnitedHealthcare's enhanced advocacy solutions, which are designed to help people make more informed healthcare decisions, and to help with staying in network, assisting with hospital discharge planning and support, and reviewing potential treatment and medication options based on coverage considerations.
A recent internal analysis of large and midsize employers showed UnitedHealthcare's enhanced customer-care resources reduced the total medical cost of care by up to 4%. In addition, access to these customer care resources led to an increase of 23% in enrollment of clinical programs, while also helping to reduce gaps in care.
UHC said the resources aim to offer more personalized support and boost employee satisfaction, as well as deliver a more integrated approach. It claimed an increasing number of employers are citing advocacy solutions as a top priority when selecting health benefits.
THE LARGER TREND
Last year UHC introduced a rewards program in which eligible members, including spouses, can use wearable devices to earn up to $1,000 each per year by completing various daily health goals and one-time activities.
It also adopted a $0 out-of-pocket expense benefit for virtual visits for eligible members enrolled in applicable fully insured employer-sponsored plans. The new coverage enhancement is designed to make remote urgent care more affordable and convenient, UHC said.
In August, UnitedHealthcare agreed to implement a corrective action plan and pay $80,000 to resolve an investigation by the Office for Civil Rights over a potential violation of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy Rule's right of access provision, which requires that patients be able to access their medical information in a timely manner.
ON THE RECORD
"By using technology and personalized support, we are focused on enhancing our digital experience and customer care resources to support improved health outcomes and satisfaction among our members, reduce the total cost of care and deliver greater value for employers," said Dan Kueter, CEO of UnitedHealthcare's commercial business.
Jeff Lagasse is editor of Healthcare Finance News.
Email: jlagasse@himss.org
Healthcare Finance News is a HIMSS Media publication.
