An employee’s financial stability extends beyond their paycheck

Supporting employees’ needs requires looking at all the factors that may be impacting their health, including their financial well-being.

July 6, 2023

Social determinants of health (SDOH), including economic stability, can have a significant impact on an employee’s health, well-being and quality of life.¹ In fact, up to 25% of employees with group health insurance experienced high levels of financial insecurity.²

In addition to economic stability, SDOH factors include where someone lives, access to quality health care, exposure to discrimination and educational opportunities. In today’s economic environment, employers may be dealing with a workforce that’s experiencing more stress than usual due to financial uncertainty. This uncertainty can trigger a domino effect of increased stress, anxiety and subsequently, poor work performance.³

For some, economic challenges may be temporary, but for others, financial instability may be a constant reality. This is especially true for employees living in areas with high levels of economic instability, which include Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, Washington, D.C. and Wyoming.⁴

"Employer groups are starting to see how social determinants of health (SDOH) can impact the health of their employees. They’re now looking for solutions to better help their employees who may be facing issues with SDOH."

— Charmaine M. Heard, Vice President of Health Care Strategies, UnitedHealthcare Employer & Individual

Employers can address SDOH with the help of their health plan. For instance, when UnitedHealthcare works with employers to promote health equity, the first step is to conduct an inventory of their health plan and benefits, such as whether their plan offers lower premiums or upfront pricing information, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) or financial support programs.

To specifically address economic instability, Dr. Cyrus Batheja, national vice president of enterprise transformation and strategic solutions for UnitedHealthcare, explains the solutions employers are implementing to assist employees: “We’re seeing many employers adding lifestyles supports. They’re helping employees with options such as a deduction off their gas or heating bills, monthly food debit cards or onsite food pantries, and wellness initiatives like ‘call a friend’ to help address social isolation.”

When employers help guide employees toward economic stability, they’re not only helping their overall community, but they’re also helping to build a stronger and more productive workforce.

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Footnotes

Healthy People 2030, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. Available: https://health.gov/healthypeople/priority-areas/social-determinants-health. Accessed June 7, 2023.
Optum Advisory Service internal analyses, 2020.
Peek, Sean. Stress and Productivity: What the Numbers Say. Business.com. March 23, 2023. Available: https://www.business.com/articles/stress-and-productivity-what-the-numbers-say/
America’s Health Rankings. United Health Foundation. Available: https://www.americashealthrankings.org/health-topics/196?topics=195. Accessed June 7, 2023.

Disclaimers

The material provided through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is for informational purposes only. EAP staff cannot diagnose problems or suggest treatment. EAP is not a substitute for your doctor’s care. Employees are encouraged to discuss with their doctor how the information provided may be right for them. Your health information is kept confidential in accordance with the law. EAP is not an insurance program and may be discontinued at any time. Due to the potential for a conflict of interest, legal consultation will not be provided on issues that may involve legal action against UnitedHealthcare or its affiliates, or any entity through which the caller is receiving these services directly or indirectly (e.g., employer or health plan). This program and its components may not be available in all states or for all group sizes and is subject to change. Coverage exclusions and limitations may apply.

Care Cash provides a pre-loaded debit card which can be used for certain health care expenses. If the card is used for ineligible 213(d) expenses, individuals may incur tax obligations and should consult an appropriate tax professional to determine if they have such obligations. The information provided in connection with Care Cash is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be nor should be construed as medical advice. Individuals should consult an appropriate health care professional to determine what may be right for them.

UnitedHealthcare Rewards is a voluntary program. The information provided under this program is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be nor should be construed as medical advice. You should consult an appropriate health care professional before beginning any exercise program and/or to determine what may be right for you. Receiving an activity tracker, certain credits and/or rewards and/or purchasing an activity tracker with earnings may have tax implications. You should consult with an appropriate tax professional to determine if you have any tax obligations under this program, as applicable. If any fraudulent activity is detected (e.g., misrepresented physical activity), you may be suspended and/or terminated from the program. If you are unable to meet a standard related to health factor to receive a reward under this program, you might qualify for an opportunity to receive the reward by different means. You may call us toll-free at 1-855-256-8669 or at the number on your health plan ID card, and we will work with you (and, if necessary, your doctor) to find another way for you to earn the same reward. Rewards may be limited due to incentive limits under applicable law. Subject to HSA eligibility, as applicable. This program is not available in Hawaii, Vermont and Puerto Rico. Components subject to change.

Insurance coverage provided by or through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or its affiliates. Administrative services provided by United HealthCare Services, Inc. or their affiliates.

An employee’s financial stability extends beyond their paycheck

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