C05: Health Services and Benefits

(3 points)

INTENT

Support the overall health and well-being of individuals and their families by adopting comprehensive health policies.   

SUMMARY

This WELL feature requires projects to provide access to essential health services, screenings and assessments and offer on-demand health services. 

ISSUE

Access to basic healthcare services is one of five key pillars that form the social determinants of health. Access includes physical or geographic access, affordability, and quality or acceptability of care. Unfortunately, many people around the world struggle with access to primary care services, and access varies based on race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, age, sex, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity and residential location. Individuals that lack adequate coverage for health services are unable to get the care they need, while individuals with reliable healthcare access experience better health outcomes, fewer health disparities and lower overall healthcare costs. Delays between identifying a need for care and actually receiving services can increase emotional distress, complications, treatment costs and hospitalization.  

SOLUTIONS

Basic healthcare services include essential primary care and preventive services such as medical, dental, vision, mental health, substance use, preventive screenings, disease management and biometric assessments. Providing timely access to health services can relieve both actual and perceived barriers to care. Studies demonstrate that the overwhelming majority of employees, aside from wanting basic health services, also want added flexibility to select and opt into coverage that fits their unique health needs. Projects offering benefits consultation and on-demand health services can support flexible healthcare coverage and maximize employee engagement in health benefit programs.

IMPACT

Enhancing access to essential healthcare can impact the quality of life and physical, social and mental health of each individual.

REQUIREMENTS

Part 1

Promote Health Benefits (2 points)

Verified by Policy Document

For All Spaces

The following requirements are met:

1. Health benefits are available to all eligible employees and their dependents, at no cost or subsidized by at least 50%, that include coverage for the following:

   1. Medical, dental, vision care, mental health, substance use and sexual and reproductive health services.
   2. Preventive screening and biometric assessments.
   3. Access to medication/prescription.
   4. Disease management for existing conditions (e.g., diabetes).
   5. Essential immunizations based on region.
   6. Tobacco cessation programs.

    

2.  Benefits consultation is available for all employees with a benefits counselor, human resources representative or other benefits support staff.

Part 2

Offer On-Demand Health Services (1 point)

Verified by Policy Document

For All Spaces

Health services that meet the following requirements are provided for all eligible employees at no cost or subsidized by at least 50%, on-site, within 800 m [0.5 mi] of the project or through a digital provider or platform:

1. Experienced and qualified healthcare providers (e.g., physician, nurse practitioner, physician assistant) are available to provide confidential medical treatment for episodic, recurrent, urgent or other illnesses before, during and/or after typical business hours. 

2. A scheduling system allows for drop-ins and/or appointment booking. If services are only available during regular business hours, then eligible employees are allowed to use services during the workday. 

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