Many Americans do not use preventive services because they are unclear about what constitutes covered preventive care in their health plan. As an employer, you may want to remind your employees about the covered preventive care benefits and age appropriate health screenings available to them. This may prove to be cost-effective for the plan, and help with early disease detection.
Annual physical
Most health plans including the COSE multiple employer welfare arrangement (MEWA) cover the cost of an annual preventive health care visit, also known as a physical, as long as you use an in-network doctor. Employees of all ages should be getting an annual physical. This exam covers patient history, vital sign checks, visual exam, physical exam and possibly lab work if the doctor thinks it’s necessary. The lab work may be at an additional cost to your employees depending on your health plan.
Health screenings
Other health screenings should be encouraged depending on the age and health history of your employees. A few that we encourage include breast cancer screenings for women ages 50-74, prostate cancer screenings for men age 50+, colorectal cancer screenings for all adults ages 50-75 and comprehensive diabetes screenings for diabetics ages 18-75. The costs of these health screenings may vary based on your health plan.
Health and wellness
If you have a COSE MEWA health plan, COSE MEWA and Medical Mutual together offer a comprehensive suite of programs designed to promote healthy lifestyle behaviors. These wellness programs start with a health assessment to provide a baseline and help your employees better understand their health and identify risk factors for disease. Other tools and resources are available so your employees can make positive changes to improve their well-being including the Health Resource Center on My Health Plan, fitness discounts, access to the QuitLine Program for tobacco users and a WeightWatchers® reimbursement.
Disease management program
If you or one of your employees are diagnosed with or have been living with a chronic health condition, Medical Mutual’s Disease Management program can offer education and support. This program is available for employees who have been diagnosed with one or more of the following conditions:
- Asthma
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- Congestive heart failure
- Coronary artery disease
- Diabetes
For more information on COSE MEWA’s Health and Wellness benefits through Medical Mutual, please contact your broker or click here. If your you and your employees are currently enrolled and are interested in Medical Mutual’s Disease Management program, they can check eligibility and enroll by calling 1-800- 861-4826, option 2.