Video Summary
The meeting focused on seven key future trends in healthcare and employee benefits. The Speaker highlighted the importance of virtual access and navigation in healthcare systems due to lagging public systems. Dr. Greg Wells discussed the merger of humans and technology, emphasizing the benefits of wearable tech in understanding personal health metrics. Joe O’Connor spoke about flexible and autonomous work environments, advocating for structured flexibility. The Unknown Speaker also mentioned rising claim costs, particularly in drug categories, with some new drugs costing up to half a million dollars. Communication challenges with employees were addressed, along with the increasing complexity of plan administration. The final trend discussed was employee wellbeing, with a focus on the integration of benefits and wellness programs. The speakers emphasized the need for guiding employees to find the right information and curating both internal and external experiences.
Chapters
Virtual Access and Navigation in Healthcare
The Unknown Speaker introduced the first trend, highlighting the importance of virtual access and navigation in healthcare systems. They noted that public systems are lagging, causing employees to struggle in finding treatment. The speaker emphasized that benefit plans and wellness programs are evolving to help employees navigate their health issues more effectively.
Merger of Humans and Technology
Dr. Greg Wells discussed the proliferation of technology and its merger with human life. He emphasized the potential of wearable tech in helping individuals understand their sleep patterns, physical activity, and stress levels. Dr. Wells suggested that this data can be beneficial in navigating the overwhelming amount of information available.
Flexible and Autonomous Work Environments
Joe O’Connor addressed the trend of flexible work environments. He cautioned against unstructured flexibility approaches, which can lead to uneven distribution of benefits. O’Connor advocated for structured flexibility, such as shorter working weeks, emphasizing the importance of autonomy and control over work within certain boundaries.
Rising Cost of Claims
The Unknown Speaker highlighted the increasing cost of claims, particularly in the drug category. They mentioned that some new drugs cost up to half a million dollars, raising concerns about affordability in benefit plans. The speaker advised careful modeling and preparation for these rising costs.
Communication and Administration Challenges
The Unknown Speaker discussed the growing difficulty in communicating with employees and the challenges in plan administration. They noted that many individuals tasked with plan administration lack proper training, leading to frustration when dealing with insurance companies. The speaker emphasized the increasing importance of their role in resolving queries and addressing issues.
Employee Wellbeing and Benefits Integration
The Unknown Speaker introduced the final trend of employee wellbeing, noting its significance in attracting employees. They highlighted the integration of benefits and wellness programs, and the consolidation of vendors to provide a unified access point for employees. The speaker stressed the importance of guiding employees to find the right information and curating both internal and external experiences.