Color Health has powerfully right-sized the solution by introducing a program that helps employers get the cancer screenings and care they wish to provide. The firm reveals trends in employer perspectives on the field and some key findings from their recent survey, conducted by The Harris Poll. The research dives into priorities for providing the most impactful care to employees, and potential strategies for reducing the burden of cancer on the workforce. This detailed ‘2024 Employer Insights Report’ sheds light on the views of 250 HR and benefits leaders at companies with 500 or more employees in the U.S. Their insights help to understand the gaps experienced in current offerings and employer needs and priorities. As cancer care continues to be ranked as one of the highest drivers of healthcare costs, this focus seems imperative.
The report finds that while primary care is necessary, employers feel they cannot rely on their health plan alone, indicating that a more comprehensive approach to cancer care may be needed. Over 62% of employers are planning to offer a cancer screening program as a strategy for early detection and reducing costs, but less than a quarter has comprehensive insight into their population’s screening rates. This gap in knowledge is significant as over 2 million new cancer diagnoses are expected in 2024.
The data gathered shows that early detection is important: at least 70% of benefits leaders find cancer screening, early detection, and risk assessment/prevention to be top priorities. However, there is a large gap regarding care being given, as 88% of those surveyed would prefer to spend more on preventive care than post-diagnosis care. Unfortunately, they currently spend significantly more on the latter. Interestingly, only 1 in 10 benefits leaders agrees insurance coverage alone is enough to provide key healthcare benefits for employees. Moreover, just 16% of employers have access to combined screening rates for specific cancers.
Color Health CEO, Othman Laraki believes that addressing these gaps is crucial. He explains that new cancer benefits solutions are in demand, as employers are facing increasing costs and are seeking comprehensive programs. Urging an emphasis on prevention; CEO for the American Cancer Society and American Cancer Society Action Network, Dr. Karen E. Knudsen speaks of the importance of early screening and its impact on the rising incidence of these cancers.
This insight is invaluable as we navigate the rising incidence among six of the top ten cancers. The focus on proactive decision-making with a detailed approach could make a real difference.
If you are interested in reading more, you can visit Color Health’s website to access the full report. This research provides a deep understanding of the needs and expectations of employers and benefits leaders in the U.S. It underlines the importance of creating efficient, preventive-focused solutions for cancer. It is evident that employers are looking for different approaches to address the needs of their employees and their businesses, seeking to proactively address the impact of cancer on the workforce.
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