Transforming Healthcare and Wellness in the Workplace: Our Vision for a Healthier Future

Happy group of people at workHealthcare doesn’t exist in the vacuum of our doctor’s office. It exists all around us—at home, at work, and in the communities where we live. And our ability to live our healthiest lives within the physical or virtual confines of a “9-5” job is no exception.

In many ways, the lines between home and work are often blurred, and for more than half of the U.S. population, our place of work is inextricably linked to our health, as 54% of Americans have employer-based health insurance coverage.

Furthermore, the connection between employee health and workplace productivity is more evident than ever, and it is crucial to recognize the significance of fostering a workplace culture that is inclusive of our health and prioritizes wellbeing on all fronts—physical, mental, behavioral, social, and financial.

What if you had resources at your disposal to get healthy and stay healthy, avoiding costly care down the road? What if healthcare solutions were flexible enough to meet you wherever you are on your wellness journey—whenever and however it was most convenient for you?

What if a payer was more than just your insurance, but was your partner in healthcare?

At CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (CareFirst), we’re dedicated to improving health outcomes for everyone and creating thriving communities where we can all live our best, healthiest lives. We’re committed to transforming the way you engage with healthcare. CareFirst is not only here for you when you’re sick, but we offer tools and services to support you at every stage of wellness.

CareFirst wants to change the way you think about healthcare, and as the largest not-for-profit health insurer in the mid-Atlantic region, we’re continuing to identify opportunities to deliver care through innovative solutions to more than 3.6 million members.

Digital resources provide anonymous and confidential support. Virtual-first primary care models include urgent, preventive and behavioral services that offer affordable, transparent, and convenient care options. Holistic solutions offer alternative treatment options, including meditation, breathwork, yoga, and more. And services like mental first aid training can help you identify, understand, and respond when someone else may be experiencing a mental health concern or crisis.

In addition to physical and behavioral services, live and on-demand fitness courses, weight loss management and nutrition counseling, smoking cessation and financial planning tools round out a comprehensive approach to addressing wellbeing. Our goal is to meet members where they are, knowing that everyone’s needs are different and constantly evolving.

Supporting wellness in the workplace goes beyond employee satisfaction; it is a strategic imperative for any forward-thinking organization. CareFirst is committed to being a partner in your wellbeing journey, offering the resources and support needed to build a healthier, more productive, happier workforce.

Together, we can drive a positive change in our workplace and in the broader community, where health and wellbeing are integral components of our collective success.

Learn more about CareFirst’s wellness services and programs available to employers and their members in the 2024 Blueprint for Wellness in the Workplace.

Author

Mallory Kusterer

Mallory Kusterer is the Director of Specialty Markets at CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield. In her position, she is responsible for all specialty lines of business, connecting members with a comprehensive suite of products and services that align with CareFirst’s mission of advancing affordable, accessible, and equitable healthcare to improve holistic health and wellbeing.