Preventive Care Spotlight: Benefits Employees Often Miss
Preventive care is the most valuable benefit your team might not be using—yet.
Many employees think of their HMO only when they're sick or need hospital care. But some of the most valuable—and most overlooked—benefits in any health plan are preventive. Annual Physical Exams (APEs), lab screenings, and check-ups exist not just to fix problems but to catch them early or prevent them entirely.
For SMEs, encouraging the use of preventive care can lead to lower long-term healthcare costs, fewer sick days, and a healthier workforce overall.
Why Preventive Care Is Underused
Despite being included in many plans, preventive services are often underutilized because:
✔ Employees aren’t fully aware they’re included
✔ Appointments feel like a hassle or low priority
✔ There’s confusion about eligibility or scheduling
✔ Some still associate check-ups with existing illness
It’s up to HR and leadership to promote these services as essential—not optional—parts of employee well-being.
What Preventive Benefits Your Employees Might Be Missing
1. Annual Physical Exams (APEs)
Typically includes:
CBC and urinalysis
Chest X-ray
Blood pressure and glucose screening
ECG (especially for older employees)
2. Routine Health Screenings
Cholesterol checks
BMI and weight monitoring
Vision and hearing tests
3. Vaccinations & Immunizations
Flu shots, tetanus boosters, and others—depending on risk factors and job type
4. Lifestyle Risk Assessments
Consultations with a nutritionist or health educator to improve diet, activity, and sleep habits
5. Mental Wellness Screening
Counseling access or stress assessments through Doctor Anywhere or in-person partners
Why It Matters for SMEs
✅ Lower healthcare costs from avoiding late-stage treatment
✅ Fewer sick days due to early intervention
✅ Improved morale—employees feel their employer cares about prevention, not just treatment
✅ Higher plan satisfaction and retention
Unlock the Full Value of Your Health Plan
Help employees make the most of their plan with Purple Cow’s preventive care inclusions—from APEs to digital screenings and more.
