Most employees receive healthcare coverage through their employee benefits, but what does that coverage look like? How does the US health care system compare to systems in other countries? In “The world health report 2000 – Health systems: improving performance” the World Heath Organization (WHO) published a detailed look at all country’s healthcare systems. Alarmingly, the WHO ranked the US 37 in the world. This ranking unsettled many researchers; especially since the US ranked behind countries with nationalized healthcare, such as Canada (30) and the United Kingdom (17). But there is more to his story than a simple number, and further investigation shows that the US may not be as bad off as this number suggests.
Innovation from the ground up
However there are areas where the US excels in Healthcare. For example, in development of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) the research and development carried out in American facilities have been instrumental in health advancements. In turn, as supported by a Health Affairs study, American employees have better access to these new technologies, .
Going further, in an economic report of the President, Americans are responsible for the vast majority of all health care innovations. This startling disclosure is supported by The U.S. Health Care System as an Engine of Innovation. In this it cites that the top five U.S. hospitals conduct more clinical trials than all the hospitals in any other single country. Since the mid-1970s, the Nobel Prize in medicine has gone to American medical residents more often than recipients from all other countries combined.
What this means for employee healthcare
US Healthcare system is complex , but healthcare issues can be tackled from the ground up. Your employees have access to some of the best research and technology available in the world. However, they may have trouble accessing these resources. Employers can supplement employee healthcare by creating wellness education programs, and offering wellness services. Offering on-site flu shots may seem simple, but it’s an easy way to educate employees and offer preventative care. Additionally, working within the current health care system to utilize its benefits can help. By giving tax breaks on a Health Savings Accounts employers can help improve employee wellness. Regardless of your employee’s healthcare plan or medical services they receive, you can promote their wellness on a day-to-day basis. By investing in wellness, employers are also able to reduce healthcare costs.