A Radically Different Renewal Approach

If anything, the trends of the past 20 years have shown us that the status quo is not working. Employer and employee costs continue to rise. Outcomes aren’t improving. Below are 5 tips on how brokers and employers can think Radically Different this renewal season and set themselves up for real change.

Design it the way you want it. This one seems like low-hanging fruit, but how many times have you really thought about this question? After polling thousands of Radish users, we found that most people want healthcare that is convenient, low-cost, and offers both quality and a great experience.

Make it easy. This seems like table-stakes in a modern world. Almost anything you want is easier to get in 2023 than it ever has been except for healthcare. Doctor shortages combined with health system consolidation have left plan members stuck in a high-cost, low-quality labyrinth that often leads to patients missing out on the care they need. An effective employer solution must leverage modern technology to make getting quality care easy, accessible, and affordable for employees.

Relationships matter. It is well documented that an ongoing relationship with a primary care doctor is the most effective way to manage one’s health. Our healthcare system is designed to provide immediate relief to the current problem. Not to treat the underlying issues or create a long-term vision of health over time. By providing employees access to a true patient-doctor relationship, not just urgent care, employers have an opportunity to both improve overall employee health and reduce costly overreliance on the emergency room.

Focus on quality. Since we mentioned it, quality is tremendously important. At this point most employers and plans have invested in solutions designed as a reflection of the current healthcare system – providing reactive, in-the-moment treatment with very little ongoing oversight and no quality metrics. It is estimated that nearly $67B of healthcare would be saved if every American used a PCP as their usual source of medical care. However, nearly 65% of Americans do not have or don’t engage with a primary care physician regularly. 

Redefine wellness. Lastly, redefining the employer wellness strategy is important. Over the years, we have explored everything from step challenges to mindfulness workshops in an attempt to improve employee wellness. But if the most effective way to manage a persons’ health is an ongoing relationship with their doctor, then why isn’t that the foundational piece to employers’ strategy for employee health & wellness?

At Radish Health, we do things differently. Our customers and broker partners are not satisfied with the status quo. Employers that want different outcomes need a radical change in their employee healthcare strategy. The same trajectory of increased premiums and cost shifting is not sustainable.