Integrating Wellness Programs Into Health Insurance

Apr 05, 2022 (0) comment , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

We live in an increasingly fast-paced world today. Since most of us are constantly motivated by achieving our goals, we tend to ignore the importance of health and wellness. Consequently, we suffer from chronic diseases and stress caused by this sedentary lifestyle. Healthcare costs are continually rising, further impacting our financial well-being. In this respect, health insurance policies offer everyone the necessary financial security for a secure future. The comprehensive health initiative that is designed to maintain or improve your well-being are known as “Wellness Programs”. Besides, “Wellness Programs” in health insurance are becoming increasingly popular as they prove to be extremely helpful for policyholders when it comes to attaining their health goals.  

Wellness programs integrated into health insurance plans are a recent trend in health insurance law. The number of employers implementing workplace wellness programs has grown dramatically in recent years for the following two reasons:  

  • Regulatory incentives are encouraging workplace wellness programs to be implemented at companies. 
  • Wellness programs and preventive medicine can help to tame the rising costs of health insurance. 

Ensure that the health policy you have selected includes wellness benefits. In this digital age, there are numerous health options available to you. Therefore, acquiring health insurance with wellness benefits maximizes your advantage, since it allows you to access wellness programs and receive quality medical care when needed. 

 

What Are Wellness Programs?

Wellness programs are supplemental benefits that insurers offer their policyholders in addition to their health insurance coverage at no additional cost. It is a program that promotes health and fitness at work, although insurance plans can offer them directly to their employees. As part of the program, your employer or plan can offer premium discounts, cash rewards, gym memberships, and other incentives. Wellness programs teach people how to make healthy lifestyle choices, making them healthier in the long run. Their health improves and their risk of disease is reduced when they exercise regularly and eat healthy.

According to the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI), guidelines on preventive and wellness factors, insurers are encouraged to reward those who qualify for reward points and fit the wellness criteria. Examples of wellness programs include programs to help you quit smoking, diabetes management programs, weight loss programs, and preventative health screenings. 

 

How Does a Wellness Program In Health Insurance Work?

IRDA guidelines state that wellness benefits can be provided in the form of a membership subscription or vouchers for health supplements. Additionally, insurance companies can reward policyholders for renewing their policies. It may be a good thing to promote healthy living as per the insurance regulator’s plans, but the plan could have some cost implications that may eventually result in an increase in premiums. 

With the advent of floater plans for families, insurance companies can now specify wellness benefits criteria, such as different coverage for family members. Companies can also determine which members qualify for wellness programs. The insurer can decide to include such benefits as part of their standard policy offerings or as optional add-ons. Moreover, they need to clearly communicate the policies for rewards accumulation, carry-forward, validity post-policy expiration, and redemption. 

 

How Do Wellness Programs Benefit Policyholders?

Integrating wellness programs into insurance plans is a win-win for the policyholders and the insurers. The insured individual who takes advantage of such wellness programs will be more likely to stay healthy and be less likely to contract illnesses or chronic diseases. As a result, if you have a health plan, you are also less likely to file for benefits.

By taking advantage of health check-ups, you can prevent health issues from developing into major ones. You can also benefit from timely medical assistance under your health insurance policy. Therefore, these wellness services are an excellent way to motivate one to stay fit and embrace a healthy lifestyle while gaining plenty of benefits under a health plan. Moreover, by taking advantage of wellness and preventive care services and discounts, you save a great deal and maintain your hard-earned savings as well. Therefore, your health insurance policy becomes much more affordable in today’s high-priced medical environment.

 

How To Get People Used To Wellness Programs?

The benefits of wellness can be obtained for free. A variety of tools are available for helping you achieve your health goals. Fitness apps allow you to track your daily steps or heart points. You can also receive an email report each week or month showing your fitness progress. Furthermore, there are apps that allow you to monitor your daily food intake. 

Pro-active action is required to help you overcome your challenges; your initiative and determination will make the difference. In the midst of deadlines and daily demands, it is challenging for people to stay on top of things. The health insurance sector has caught on to this concept and is now motivating its policyholders toward a healthier lifestyle through fitness and wellness programs. The initiatives are being taken to make sure that these programs are utilized to their full potential. 

Guidelines on preventive and wellness benefits are issued by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India. According to the IRDAI’s mandate, the organization’s efforts should be aimed at improving and maintaining good health. The insurance companies are urged to offer reward points to policyholders who meet the wellness criteria. By redeeming these points, the insured can save money on renewal premiums or get discounts on memberships in gyms, sports clubs, and yoga classes. In addition to diagnostic testing, hospitals are now covered under the policy. The insurance companies can use the opportunity to define wellness criteria in accordance with the lifestyle of the insured rather than just his physical health.

 

Let’s Wrap Up!

The benefits of living a healthy lifestyle are numerous. Now it can be financially rewarding the same way. The type of well-being benefits offered by insurers differ, it is crucial to carefully read all information pertaining to your health insurance plan and its value additions in order to avoid any misunderstanding. You shouldn’t get carried away with the rewards and benefits offered by your insurance company under the wellness program. Each insurance plan offers different wellness benefits. The terms and conditions of wellness benefits vary from insurer to insurer based on the wellness services covered. The best thing to do before making a final decision is to review the insurer’s policy wordings and read the online reviews in advance to avoid any unpleasant surprises during the claim process.

 

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