Are your clients prepared for the unexpected?

Natural disasters. Pandemics. Workplace violence. These events are never expected. But preparedness can help your clients through even the worst of times. It’s critical to make sure your clients’ health care services provider can support them through the unexpected. Here’s a list of actions a carrier should be able to take.

1. Act fast
A disaster response team should be ready to quickly and effectively activate support plans that ensure employees and their families have access to needed health care services.

2. Have a plan
An experienced health service company will follow an established Crisis Response Plan that includes:

• Working with local and state government to make sure mandated guidelines are followed
• Providing access to Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) and behavioral health support, both on-site and virtually via phone or other smart device, at no additional cost

3. Cut to the chase
A health service company should quickly facilitate easier access to care by taking these steps:

• Waiving prior authorization for medications
• Allowing out-of-network care when employees and their family members are displaced from their homes and their usual care providers are inaccessible
• Expanding access to virtual care for employees and their families impacted by a disaster and/or crisis
• Waiving cost-sharing virtual care fees for employees and their families who are unable to visit their own care provider

4. Go to Plan B, if needed
An emergency Business Continuity Plan should be in place if and when your plan’s representative is impacted by a disaster or crisis. That means you and your client will always have access to support in times of need.

5. Lend a helping hand
Health service companies can make charitable contributions to national non-profit organizations as well as provide support on the local level. It shows that your clients are working with a carrier that genuinely cares about the communities it serves.

You’re always there for your clients. Be sure your clients have a health service company that will be there for them as well. The right carrier should be able to rapidly and effectively respond in times of trouble. You and your clients will have the peace of mind of knowing you’re ready for whatever comes your way.

Here’s a list of questions you can share with your clients to help them maximize their health plan experience.