Centivo Helps Brokers Understand Health Plans

In late 2022, Centivo surveyed almost 400 employers and benefits brokers to understand their health plan priorities and perceptions. The survey results show that almost everyone in both groups agrees the healthcare industry needs an overhaul, with 94% of employers and 91% of brokers sharing this view. Yet healthcare costs continue to rise while engagement declines. Only a third of employers and a quarter of brokers agree entirely that employees have access to the healthcare they need.

The survey found that employers are willing to innovate and are open to new, sustainable solutions to combat rising healthcare costs. Most employers are willing to adopt innovative health plan approaches, with 34% considering themselves first to adopt new ideas and 39% to be early adopters. However, brokers are more likely to categorize employers as early-to-late adopters. Eighty-seven percent of brokers surveyed said they wish their clients were more open to innovative ideas. Therefore, there is a disconnect between employers’ hunger for new ideas and brokers who may not bring these ideas to the table.

While employers prioritize employee-focused factors, such as improving the health and well-being of employees and making it easy for employees to engage with their health plans, brokers prioritize reducing costs for the organization and offering quality networks/providers. However, both employers and brokers agree primary care plays a critical role in improving health and cost control and that behavioral health benefits and pharmacy costs are the highest trends on the radar for both groups.

In conclusion, the survey results show employers are ready to innovate and open to new ideas to combat rising healthcare costs. Brokers must be more proactive in presenting innovative solutions and bridging the gap between employers and healthcare providers. It’s time for a health plan innovation conversation to improve healthcare access, control costs, and improve the well-being of employees.