We are committed to helping all our members live healthier lives. Women's health encompasses many stages of life, but is an historically under-supported area of health. The lack of diversity in healthcare research created biases that still persist today.
Many women have experienced the effects of gender bias in healthcare. This can take different forms: feeling like health concerns are being ignored or dismissed, or being treated differently because of your gender. These experiences can discourage women from seeking care, leading to worse overall health outcomes.
We're breaking down barriers like gender bias by connecting members to experts and specialists trained in women's health issues. They provide a safe and affirming space for members to discuss their concerns and get the care and resources they need.
Routine care and overall well-being is essential during pregnancy. Excessive stress can have a direct impact on maternal and child health, and negative experiences with stigma and shame can make a woman more likely to exit the workforce following childbirth or a loss.
Our benefits support women before, during, and after pregnancy to build resilience and help achieve the best possible health outcomes for mothers and their children. These include:
Pelvic health relates to the health of the bladder, bowel, and reproductive organs, which are supported by the pelvic floor muscles. Women with pelvic floor dysfunction experience a range of symptoms including pain, bloating, and urinary urgency. These symptoms can lead to stress and shame that impacts women in their daily lives.
To help improve pelvic floor strength and provide relief from symptoms, we offer a clinical-grade pelvic health program that includes:
In addition to physical effects, menopause can come with career and economic impacts. Some women have avoided a promotion during menopause, and others have considered leaving the workplace due to menopause symptoms.
To help members understand and manage their menopause symptoms, we offer a subscription to a virtual platform that includes:
Visit our member page for more information on the women's health programs included with our fully insured plans.
It can be challenging to find a way to approach conversations about health concerns without feeling intrusive.
Employees aren't required to disclose health conditions, but creating a culture of support and compassion can make them more likely to reach out when they are in need of assistance. One way to make employees aware of benefits that support sensitive health topics—without singling anyone out—is to create an ongoing plan for education and awareness.
If an employee's work habits have changed or they are showing signs of presenteeism (low productivity due to illness or another condition), it might be time for a conversation. In this situation, employers should:
In addition to gender bias, women of color also experience racial biases in healthcare. Black women experience more severe impacts from menopause, and the maternal mortality rate is significantly higher for Black women compared to white women.
You can learn more about the effects of gender and racial bias on women's health and how inclusivity can mitigate their impact in our eBook, Inclusive Perspectives.
Offering health benefits aimed at supporting women's health is a great first step. Beyond that, it's also important to foster a company culture of inclusivity.
Social stigma prevents many women from talking openly about their health. Topics like menopause, miscarriage, and mental health are often seen as taboo, uncomfortable, and even shameful. This can make it difficult for women to ask for assistance when they are going through these health situations.
Employers can help by creating a psychologically healthy workplace where employees don't fear discrimination. Here are some resources with information about additional ways to support your employees in this area:
Download the Inclusive Perspectives eBook to learn why incorporating inclusion principles at every level of your organization is can help address barriers to care.