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Schmoozing with the enemy: conversations with employee benefits managers
1Medical College of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond 23298.
Hospital & Health Services Administration
|July 1, 1993
Summary
Private employers
Area of Science:
- Health Services Management
- Healthcare Economics
- Employer-Sponsored Health Insurance
Background:
- The significance of private employers in health benefit purchasing has grown substantially.
- Escalating healthcare costs and disputes over cost origins are intensifying purchaser-provider dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the health benefit purchasing strategies of employee benefits managers.
- To identify variations and commonalities in how employers procure health benefits.
Main Methods:
- Structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with employee benefits managers.
- A sample of medium- to large-sized firms was surveyed.
Main Results:
- Significant variability exists in the health benefit buying process, even among similar employers.
- Employer approaches to health benefit procurement are diverse.
Conclusions:
- Health services managers must foster improved communication between providers and employers.
- Enhanced provider-employer dialogue is crucial for navigating the complexities of health benefit purchasing.