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Formula4Success: Put people first in your benefits plan

Today’s health care environment is riddled with complex plan designs and rigorous government regulations.

What gets you up every morning? Besides the buzz of the alarm clock or the smell of fresh-brewed coffee? Is it simply to “wake up and repeat,” like Bill Murray in the movie “Groundhog Day?”  It is common to fall into the trap of routine and forget the real purpose behind what we do. That purpose is different for all of us.

For the health insurance and benefits team at the Pittsburgh Technology Council Corporate Coverage Group (PTC CCG), that purpose is to help people. In today’s health care environment, it is important to keep the focus on people and their needs, to engage creative dialogue and to implement outcome-based solutions.

“Operating in the health care benefits industry over the last few years has been challenging,” said Audrey Russo. “But our team at PTC CCG continues to respond to the ever-changing Affordable Care Act (ACA) and reduce uncertainties for our members.”

While it’s human nature to resist change, the team at JRG Advisors for PTC CCG finds unique and innovative ways to do the job. Working with PTC members, JRG can address the angst people feel with the ACA, explain the changes, minimize the concern and worry, and sort through the polarizing politics.

Jessica Galardini from JRG Advisors said, “At the end of the day people want good health care, provider access and convenience at a better price. This is a challenging but not impossible task and is what motivates our team every day.”

“Operating in the health care benefits industry over the last few years has been challenging,” said Audrey Russo. “But our team at PTC CCG continues to respond to the ever-changing Affordable Care Act (ACA) and reduce uncertainties for our members.”

Even with the uncertainty around the law, we can’t forget the people who are caught in the crossfire of the ACA and the politics. With rising costs, employers can feel stuck with what they have, or that the only cost-containment strategy is to push more cost to their workforce.

The PTC CCG approach starts with C-level dialogue to identify, consider and understand requirements within coverage, network, workforce and budget. There are products and services to achieve objectives, once they are clearly identified and considered on a scale of importance to the overall strategy.

Some solutions include specific data analytics to identify emerging health risk factors so a care strategy can be developed, confidentially and individually within the workforce. Technology options also can provide a deep dive population comparison, working with fully insured and self-insured clients and for those with or without historical claims data. Our 24/7 online transparency tool is another option that gives employees real-time information by zip code, service type and facility so they can make smart choices for services like blood work and MRIs – which can range from affordable to astronomical in cost with no difference in quality outcomes. And offering a defined premium contribution with online enrollment and shopping among multiple coverage choices engages employees and fits plan strategy.

These solutions showcase how PTC members are empowered through dialogue, gaining information, and motivating employees with the “carrot” rather than the “stick”: moving the needle toward knowledge-based decision making, defined affordability and people satisfaction.

So before you go into your next health insurance and employee benefits planning meeting, take into consideration the people who are working with you. And consider talking with our team at JRG Advisors for a fresh look that delivers creative problem-solving benefits plans. By keeping your employees’ good health in mind and by gaining a unique perspective, you will be inspired and your plan of benefits will improve : a definite winning formula for success.

Learn more here.