The document outlines a strategic initiative by a consulting engineering firm to improve employee wellness and engagement through enhanced benefit communication and active enrollment. Key strategies included implementing a qualified high deductible health plan (QHDP) which saw a 44% increase in enrollment, alongside the introduction of a decision-support tool that was utilized by 3,398 employees. Overall, these efforts resulted in improved employee understanding of benefits and a significant decrease in participation in higher premium plans.

1. Employee Benefits Action Guide | 7
Custom Communication Plan & Active Enrollment Result
in Increased Consumerism
Challenges
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The firm embarked on a multi-year strategic plan to build a culture of wellbeing and engagement. They wanted
to educate employees to become more engaged and wise health care consumers. They developed a consumer-
driven plan option to complement this goal, a qualified high deductible health plan (QHDP) with an employer
HSA contribution. However, the level of participation was not satisfactory to support the wellbeing goals.
Strategies Implemented
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Actuarial study completed to determine the percent of the population for which the QHDP was an optimal choice
(based on prior year utilization); the results showed that 90% of the employees would benefit from the QHDP
plan
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Held an active annual enrollment (the first in 10 years) to require employees to be more engaged in their benefit
plan decision process
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Created a custom communication plan to ensure employees selected the best plan for their personal
circumstances
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Created a microsite with benefit information that enabled 24/7 online access for employees and dependents
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Added benefits communication decision-support software to help employees make the optimal plan selection
during annual enrollment and new-hire enrollment
Results
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3,398 visits to decision-support tool
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80% of employees who used the decision-support tool said they had a better understanding of their benefits
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Increased enrollment in the QHDP by 44%
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Reduced enrollment in the highest premium HRA plan by 41%
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Of employees surveyed, 1,000+ employees stated that the decision-support tool was ranked most helpful in
making their benefit decisions
Industry: Consulting Engineering Firm | Number of Employees: 4,600
44%
Increased QHDP Enrollment
41%
Reduced Enrollment in
Highest Premium HRA Plan
3,398
Visits to the Decision-Support Tool
EMPLOYEE COMMUNICATION