Building a benefits strategy for a post-pandemic world: 3 factors you and your clients need to consider

As your clients look beyond the COVID-19 pandemic, the transition to the “next normal” may be influenced by a number of circumstances. Here are three key factors to consider as you recommend the best health coverage for your clients in a post-pandemic world.

1. The cost of disrupted care

The pandemic caused patients, doctors, dentists and hospitals to cancel or delay non-emergency care.

• 41% of U.S. adults avoided medical care due to the pandemic¹
• The number of patients seeking care has yet to reach pre-COVID-19 levels²
• 41% of physician practices saw patient volume drop by 26% or more³

When care is delayed, including the lack of routine preventive care, it can lead to costly health conditions that may develop down the road. 

2. Employees need to rebound emotionally

The pandemic took a toll on employees – financially, physically and emotionally. Some grieving over the loss of loved ones while others were stressed over the uncertainty brought on by the pandemic.

• 87% of workers say they’re stressed⁴
• 64% feel they’re in an “always on” environment⁴

Employers are beginning to make the emotional and physical health of employees a top priority. Your clients need to consider offering their employees benefits that address an individual’s overall health, focusing on mind and body.

3. People are embracing virtual care

The rapid adoption of virtual care services has significant ramifications for your clients. In fact, it turns out that many patients prefer the virtual experience.⁴   

• 2 out of 3 people have used virtual care at least once⁴
• 94% of first-time virtual care adopters are interested in seeing a variety of doctors virtually⁴

Your clients need to partner with a health services company that’s been offering virtual care solutions for years and understands the evolving needs of patients and providers.

The past year has made a significant impact on the health care landscape and the business world. Understanding the latest developments in health care can help you as you guide your clients through new territory.

1. Czeisler, Mark É. et al. “Delay or Avoidance of Medical Care Because of COVID-19–Related Concerns — United States, June 2020,” Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, Sept. 11, 2020, 69(36):1250-1257.
2. “The 2021 National Patient and Procedure Volume Tracker”, 4/12/2021, Strata Decision Technology. https://www.stratadecision.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/National-Patient-And-Procedure-Volume-Tracker_April_12_2021.pdf
3. 2019 Cigna 360 Well-Being Survey, https://wellbeing.Cigna.com/360Survey_Report.pdf.
4. 4. “An emerging digital audience: first-time telehealth adopters,” October 2020, Hero Digital, https://herodigital.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Telehealth-Audiences_v-0-8.pdf