Roughly 48.6% of Americans — about 158.3 million adults — received health insurance through their employer in 2023. For many people, employer-sponsored health insurance is more than just a perk. It’s a key factor in deciding whether to accept or stay in a job.

According to a 2022 survey, health-related benefits are the most important benefit an employer can offer. Nearly 90% of respondents ranked it as their top priority.

Because excellent benefits can attract top talent, it’s critical to choose the right health insurance plans and partner.

Choose the right health insurance partner

In business, the word partner gets used a lot. But when it comes to your health insurance provider, a true partner helps you meet your goals. They understand your company culture, your priorities, and your employees’ needs.

The right health insurance partner offers more than just a menu of plans. They provide support, insight, and innovation that reflect your company’s values and long-term goals.

Find a partner in health insurance

A true health insurance partner supports your mission and helps you offer coverage that matches the needs of your workforce. They should be responsive, invested in your success, and willing to collaborate on long-term solutions, not just offer a one-size-fits-all product.

Look for transparency

A transparent health insurance provider helps you avoid the fine-print traps that can lead to surprise fees and employee frustration. If you’re a self-funded employer, this is especially important. Look for:

• Easy-to-understand plan documents
• Clear communication of costs — upfront, not buried
• Straightforward explanation of extras and administrative fees

Understand what your employees experience

Employers aren’t just paying for coverage. They’re investing in an experience. It’s important to ask questions that help you understand what your employees will go through when they need care. Consider:

• What is the reputation of the health insurance provider? What do current clients or Net Promoter Scores (NPS) say?
• Does the plan support both employees who regularly use healthcare and those who don’t?
• Does the insurer or administrator stand out in any meaningful way, such as through awards, recognitions, or service commitments?
• How do they compare to others in service, value, and transparency?
• What does the plan include, and what’s considered an add-on?

When the experience is good, employees are more likely to engage in health and wellness programs and feel confident in their care.

Reflect on your company’s need

In addition to finding the right health insurance partner, looking for transparency, and understanding the employee experience, take time to reflect on your company’s current position and goals. 

Use these questions as a guide:

1. What will the healthcare experience be like for your HR team and your employees?
2. Will employees feel like strangers when they need care, or will they feel known and supported?
3. Does your health insurance plan come from a company focused on healthcare, not just insurance?
4. Is there a strong focus on keeping people healthy, not just treating them when they’re sick?
5. Will employees feel like they’re jumping through hoops, or will they experience seamless, coordinated care from an integrated system?
6. Do the premiums and copays reflect the value of the care provided?
7. Is this a plan you can count on for the long haul?
8. Is the information clear enough to help you evaluate whether you’re getting the lowest total cost — for both medical and pharmacy?
9. Will this plan meet the expectations of your most important asset, your employees? Will it deliver the experience and affordability they’re looking for?

Health insurance can be difficult to understand and navigate, and employers don’t have to do it alone. Your decision about employer group health insurance isn’t just about cost. It’s about finding a health insurance partner who supports your company’s goals, helps your employees live healthier lives, and makes it easier for your company to succeed. 

Find your health insurance partner in Select Health

Select Health understands the trust employees put in their employers for their health insurance benefits. Our sales team is experienced in helping companies keep their employees happy and healthy with noteworthy coverage. 

Call our Sales team today at 800-442-3125 to learn more.