Traditionally, health insurance has focused heavily on the visible and measurable health issues, like hospital admissions, chronic conditions, surgeries and physical rehabilitation.
However, since the Covid-19 pandemic struck five years ago, there has been a notable increase in the demand for policies that cover mental health treatment, due to an increase in mental health issues.
Whether that is counselling, workplace mental health coverage, burnout and stress management or anxiety, depression and PTSD treatment ‒ comprehensive mental health coverage has become fundamental.
While mental health care can seem expensive, the long-term costs of untreated mental illness are often far greater. Failure to catch issues early can lead to hospitalisations tied to stress-related illnesses.
Mental health conditions can also lead to decreased work performance and absenteeism. Access to mental health care, on the other hand, can help individuals improve their focus and increase their overall productivity.
It is therefore no surprise that prospective employees have started taking into account whether potential employers offer mental health coverage or have a wellness culture while considering employment, just as much as they may consider compensation.
With this in mind, human resources teams must start implementing strategies that address the mental health of their staff, such as fostering open conversations and enrolling employees on policies that cover mental health treatment.
This kind of cultural transformation starts at the top, but it is made real by human resource leaders who listen, then act by advocating for more comprehensive covers for the teams they supervise.
Insurance companies can also play a powerful role in creating healthier, happier and more resilient communities, by making mental health a standard part of every policy, not just a footnote.
Services that were offered at a premium including inpatient and outpatient psychiatric care, addiction and substance abuse treatment or wellness programmes that focus on mindfulness and work-life balance, should be offered at standard and affordable rates.
Strengthening regulation by adopting forward-looking policies that foster innovation while ensuring consumer protection can also spur creation of policies that support psychological care.
Mental health is no longer an issue that can be overlooked. It is a matter that is closely linked to other forms of wellness, making it fundamental to the success of a community.
Breaking mental health stigma through targeted education campaigns, ensuring parity between mental and physical health coverage and leveraging technology to make care available anytime, anywhere, can help to create thriving communities.
The writer is Communications & PR Specialist.
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