Health Benefits Communication Tips for HR: Helping Teams Understand Their Coverage

Good coverage starts with clear communication. HR plays a key role.

As an HR leader, your role doesn’t end after signing up for a great health plan. Your team’s ability to understand and use their benefits is just as important as the coverage itself.

Studies show that underutilized benefits aren’t just a waste of company resources—they also leave employees feeling unsupported, especially in critical health moments.

Why Communication Is Crucial

✔ Employees hesitate to use benefits they don’t understand
✔ Preventive care is often missed due to lack of awareness
✔ HR gets flooded with repetitive benefit questions
✔ Misunderstandings lead to frustration and missed reimbursements

Effective Communication Strategies for HR

1. Simplify the Language
Avoid jargon like “maximum benefit limit” or “pre-existing exclusions.” Use plain terms: “This is the total amount covered yearly,” or “Yes, you’re still protected even with a past condition.”

2. Use Multiple Channels
Don’t just hand over a booklet. Use group chats, infographics, short videos, or in-person orientations. A 2-minute video in the staff group chat can work wonders.

3. Conduct Benefit Briefings Quarterly
Schedule regular, short refreshers—especially during open enrollment, renewals, or company-wide health campaigns.

4. Focus on Real Scenarios
Instead of abstract policies, share examples: “If you get sick and visit a non-partner clinic, here’s how to get reimbursed.”

5. Highlight Underused Benefits
APE? Online consults? Mental health support? These are often underutilized. Spotlight one benefit per month via email or bulletin boards.

6. Empower Supervisors to Support
Train department heads or team leads to answer basic questions or direct employees to the right support channels.

Consult with Purple Cow for Better Benefits Communication

We offer tools and materials to help HR leaders educate, engage, and empower employees to make the most of their health plans.