"If we can remove the cost barrier, folks are going to engage more because it's not standing in the way of going to get the care that they need or even preventive care." - Trey Smith
High healthcare deductibles were sold to employers as a way to create better "consumers" of healthcare. My guest this week, Trey Smith of Hub International, argues that they've been a failed experiment that has done more harm than good. Instead of creating smarter shoppers, high deductibles have become a massive barrier to care, causing employees to delay or avoid necessary treatment altogether.
In this episode, Trey breaks down the alternative: first dollar coverage.
We discuss how innovative plan designs with zero deductibles can actually lower an employer's overall claim spend over time by encouraging early intervention and proactive care. He shares data showing that while utilization spikes initially, long-term costs come down significantly as members get the care they need when they need it.
This conversation is a perfect example of why the benefits consultant's role is shifting from simply brokering insurance to designing strategic solutions that solve real problems for employees and employers. I hope you'll tune in!
Chapters:
(00:00:00) High Healthcare Deductibles Are A Failed Experiment
(00:26:16) The Risk of Innovation vs. The Risk of the Status Quo
(00:29:59) The Problem: High Deductibles as a Barrier to Care
(00:34:10) The Solution: "First Dollar" Coverage
(00:38:22) Simplifying the Healthcare Experience
(00:52:17) How Data is Making New Plan Designs Possible
Key Links for Social:
@SelfFunded on YouTube for video versions of the podcast and much more - https://www.youtube.com/@SelfFunded
Listen/watch on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1TjmrMrkIj0qSmlwAIevKA?si=068a389925474f02
Listen on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-funded-with-spencer/id1566182286
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