Supporting hourly employees with FlexWork Bridge plans
The intermittent workforce is expanding,1 with many people attracted to the flexibility of hourly full-time, part-time or temporary positions. In fact, more than 80 million Americans2 are paid on an hourly rate basis.
Hourly workers may make up a critical part of your business, filling immediate staffing needs while helping to lower your overhead payroll costs. Unfortunately, this kind of work doesn’t typically provide benefits, like health insurance, even though these workers may have more unique needs for personalized, flexible and affordable health care coverage options.
UnitedHealthcare FlexWork® is focused on health care and benefits innovation to meet the evolving needs of employers and their hourly employees.
How does FlexWork’s Bridge Plan provide hourly employees with access to care?
UnitedHealthcare’s new Bridge Plan offered through FlexWork is designed to improve access to affordable medical coverage by integrating multiple product components into a single payroll deduction while offering a streamlined, and more affordable health care experience. Bridge Plan uses copays for routine care needs and offers preventive care and virtual care at no additional cost.
With broad national network access and the potential for cost savings as well as a single member ID card, customer service team and member website, Bridge Plan members will appreciate a simplified, consistent health care experience.
“We are committed to offering personalized, innovative health plans and benefits that meet the diverse needs of people of all ages, backgrounds and circumstances,” said Carolynn Morizzo, senior vice president of diversified growth markets for UnitedHealthcare. “The FlexWork Bridge Plan offers more value for our members who want more affordable coverage for their basic health care needs. Features such as $0 copays for virtual care and UnitedHealthcare’s network discounts on all covered benefits may offer these members more accessible, affordable flexible health care options.”
How does the FlexWork Bridge Plan help support hourly employees’ health needs?
The FlexWork Bridge Plan includes:
- First-dollar coverage that starts right away: No deductibles or coinsurance
- Access to a wide national network: Through the UnitedHealthcare Choice PPO network
- Bridge Plan creates the optimal combination of coverage and affordability with:
- Limited Medical Minimum Essential Coverage included with self-insured, level funded health plans:
- $0 copay for unlimited virtual visits, preventive care and qualified preventive prescriptions
- Copay doctor’s office visits (retail clinics, primary care, specialist)
- Copay lab, minor imaging and more (varies by plan)
- Enhanced Hospital Indemnity Protection available with fully insured coverage:
- Fixed benefit amounts for many common outpatient and inpatient care needs
- Automatic claim payment, cash reimbursement without claim filing3
- Reduced member out-of-pocket and total cost of care
- Accident Indemnity, which includes an Accidental Death and Dismemberment benefit, available on a fully insured basis
- Limited Medical Minimum Essential Coverage included with self-insured, level funded health plans:
While FlexWork plans provide important access to medical care with no deductibles, no coinsurance and affordable copays for covered services, some restrictions may apply compared to traditional medical plans. That may include annual visit or service day limits on ambulatory/outpatient services, and maximum benefit amounts for other services.
What other coverage is included in a FlexWork Bridge Plan?
Additional benefits that may be added include:
- Dental (fully insured)
- Vision (fully insured)
- Critical illness (fully insured)
- Limited PDL pharmacy benefits (level funded)
As the workforce evolves, it’s important that businesses shift with it to remain competitive in the job market — including a great retention and recruitment strategy. Helping to support all your employees’ health care needs may be one place to start.
Learn more information about coverage options for people within the intermittent workforce.
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