21-05-2025
How employers can improve workforce access to mental health care
Mental health challenges continue to grow and can have a significant impact on employees. According to new data from America's Health Rankings, nearly 20% of adults in Tennessee reported experiencing frequent mental distress in 2024.
To focus on just one condition, 40 million American adults suffer from anxiety disorders that can impact quality of life both inside and outside the office, and anxiety is now the No. 1 mental health issue among American workers.
Workload and working long hours can have a negative impact on overall mental health, happiness and well-being, according to the American Psychological Association.
Supporting employee mental health needs
Surveys show that employees overwhelmingly believe support for mental health at work is important. In fact, 92% of workers said it is very or somewhat important to them to work for an organization that values their emotional and psychological well-being.
Having affordable mental health care is, therefore, crucial to promoting well-being and a positive employee experience.
Offering employees modernized health plans can help the workforce more readily access needed services to support their overall health, well-being and experience.
Modernized health plans offer better access
The Surest health plan from UnitedHealthcare gives employees the tools to search for mental health care through an easy-to-use digital shopping experience that can help improve access and lower the total cost of care.
Surest eliminates deductibles and coinsurance. Instead, members have copays that vary based on the provider and facility, with higher-value options costing less. Providers are evaluated on how they have performed historically on certain criteria like effectiveness and cost efficiency.
Recent studies found the Surest model lowered consumer out-of-pocket costs by 54%. For employers, total cost per member per month was 11% lower with Surest.
Women who choose Surest paid 88% less for anxiety-related provider visits and 82% less for depression-related visits compared to members on a conventional health plan, according to one recent study.
Data also shows that Surest members interact with the health system more frequently when they need care, including 20% more physician visits, a 9% increase in preventive physical exams, a 15% increase in preventive mammograms and a 34% increase in preventive colonoscopies. They also tended to opt for better provider options with 92% of members selecting high-efficiency providers.
Digital resources offer support and convenience
Studies show that Surest members also have improved access to care. Eligible Surest members can now access digital tools, such as Calm Health, as a part of their mental health benefits.
Calm Health offers an entry point for eligible Surest members to connect with personalized resources to help support their mental health in the moment or as a supplement to engagement with a licensed professional.
Calm Health is an evidence-based mental health app, designed to help members access personalized mental health support, including mental health screenings, therapy referrals, personalized programs and daily self-care content.
By offering more modern health plans and digital resources, employers can enhance their employees' access to mental health care. These types of resources reduce out-of-pocket costs, improve health outcomes and can help create a more engaged, productive and satisfied workforce.
