HSA Administration Company, Clarity Benefit Solutions, Discusses the Importance of Making Mental Health Benefits Available to Employees

NEW YORK, Jan. 14, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- HSA administration company, Clarity Benefit Solutions, discusses the importance of making mental health benefits available to employees.

Employers need to realize that offering mental health benefits to employees is just as important as healthcare benefits. Studies show that one in five Americans grapples with a medically diagnosed mental illness over the course of their adult life. And, that doesn't even take into account the number of undiagnosed cases. In the workplace, this can translate into habitual tardiness and excessive absences that result in lost productivity that can cost employers hundreds of billions of dollars each year.

If an employer is not able to properly manage mental illness in the workplace, the results can be devastating, with situations such as increased accidents, workplace violence, harassment/discrimination claims, and worker's compensation claims. Therefore, it is prudent for employers to offer a full range of mental health benefits to their employees.

Experts agree that early intervention is the key to not only reduce incidents of employee mental illness, but to reduce costs associated with these incidents. After all, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) mandates that all private and individual medical plans offer the minimum coverage for mental health screenings, substance use services, and preventative care. Employees who suffer from mental illness are also protected under the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA), which establishes that plan administrators treat mental illness with no restrictions.

Employers should carefully research the mental health programs that will be the best fit with their company and educate employees about their rights to these programs. Establishing an employee assistance program (EAP) will allow employees to confidentially seek help when they are in crisis. Another option is to establish a 24/7 nurse hotline for employees and family members. This way, employees always have access to assistance. Offering a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with mental health benefits coverage--preferably with a Health Savings Account (HSA) to offset any out-of-pocket costs when combined with HDHPs--can provide employees with peace of mind that their mental health concerns will be taken care of if there is a need. Appointing a mental health contact that is trained in mental health matters can provide added peace of mind.

About Clarity Benefit Solutions: Clarity Benefit Solutions HSA Administration provides technology that makes the health insurance plan selection process fast, easy, and straightforward. For over two decades, we have provided clients with industry-leading technology, compliance, and exceptional customer service. Our offering is designed to save time and lower the costs of managing benefits while also promoting employee self-service and automated ACA compliance.

Media Contact
Calvin Clark
Cclark@claritybenefitsolutions.com
732-428-8272

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SOURCE Clarity Benefit Solutions