Improving health outcomes among at-risk populations

Employers that prioritize equity can benefit from better employee engagement, increased creativity, and improved problem-solving abilities. The workforce is full of diverse perspectives, unique talents, and often untapped potential. Equity also bolsters employee morale and loyalty. 

“Our mission is to dismantle the barriers, systems, and actions inside and outside our walls to provide excellent medical care and equity for all,” said Dr. Elsie Tavares, MD, MPH, Chief Community Health and Health Equity Officer at Mass General Brigham and a leading expert in community health equity and health disparities. Read the full article.

In this issue:

• We ranked No. 1 in Commercial Health Plan Member Satisfaction by J.D. Power
• Adult dental benefits could be added as an EHB
• What do members want? 14 top-ranked plans weigh in
• Quarterly employer newsletter arrives next week
• Toolkit

We ranked No. 1 in Commercial Health Plan Member Satisfaction by J.D. Power

For the second year in a row, we are very excited to announce that Mass General Brigham Health Plan has been ranked No. 1 in member satisfaction among commercial health plans in Massachusetts by J.D. Power, a global expert in consumer insights.

The J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Commercial Member Health Plan Study measures satisfaction among commercial health plan members of 145 health plans in 22 regions throughout the country. Mass General Brigham Health Plan earned the top ranking in Massachusetts across several categories, including product and coverage offerings, problem resolution, people, saving time or money, ease of doing business, and trust. Read the full press release. 

Adult dental benefits could be added as an essential health benefit (EHB)

CMS recently broadened access to dental benefits by finalizing measures that give states the flexibility to include routine adult dental services as an essential health benefit (EHB). We are actively monitoring this development and its potential impact. Below are the key takeaways from this announcement: 

• States (Division of Insurance (DOI)) may elect to update the EHB-benchmark plan to add adult dental services as an EHB
• This impacts the EHB-benchmark application process governed by the DOI beginning in 2025
• Any changes to the benchmark plan would not impact EHB plan requirements until on or after January 1, 2027 (changes applicable to the 2027 benefit year)

The full press release and fact sheet can be found below. We will continue to track this issue and communicate updates with you as they become available.

• Press release
• Fact sheet

What do members want? 14 top-ranked plans weigh in

Tips for sharing these articles and resources

• Include in an email blast to your clients
• Post on your social media or blog

Articles and resources for your clients

• 6 ways to relieve stress at work
  Suggested text to share with clients: "Whether you’re in-office or remote, stress impacts work performance and can affect your personal life. According to OSHA, “83% of US workers suffer from work-related stress and 54% of workers report that work stress affects their home life.” Here are some ways you can manage stress at work. Read more."

• • • • Webinar - Navigating Mental Well-being in the Post-pandemic Era: Insights From Our Annual Workforce Mental Health Report
        Suggested text to share with clients: "Mass General Brigham Health Plan shares insights from their mental health benefits partner, Lyra Health, to help your company enhance your workplace well-being. In Lyra Health’s fourth annual State of Workforce Mental Health Report, they surveyed HR and employee benefits leaders and thousands of employees across industries in the U.S. and beyond to better understand their experiences, views, and plans regarding mental health in the workplace. Watch Lyra's on-demand webinar to discover practical strategies for your company to promote a healthier team and enhance overall well-being. Watch now."