Investing in Mental Well-being: A Business Imperative
Employee mental health has moved to the forefront for businesses, and leading organizations are making mental health a core benefit due to its positive effects on business performance.
A Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield analysis found an up to 2:1 return on investment for employee mental health programs through proper behavioral health care and decreased emergency room visits. When including the influence on increased productivity and improved safety, the National Safety Council and NORC at the University of Chicago found up to 4:1 return on investment.
Highmark’ s Mental Well-Being Solution
Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield launched Mental Well-Being, powered by Spring Health, in January 2024 for 2.3 million eligible members. This program offers personalized treatment plans based on evidence-based assessments. Services range from coaching to clinical care, medication management, and 24 / 7 crisis intervention.
Members benefit from an expanded network, with 40 % more providers, and appointments in as little as three days( based on Spring Health’ s average provider availability, which includes access to virtual and in-person appointments).
Measurable Results
The positive effect of Mental Well-Being is evident in its positive outcomes:
• Depression scores improved by 39 % after four sessions.
• Remission for moderate to severe depression symptoms occurred in 32.6 days.
• Anxiety improved by 26.5 % after four sessions.
• Remission for moderate to severe anxiety symptoms occurred in 42 days.
The program supports members with ADHD, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, OCD, postpartum depression, PTSD, and substance use disorder. Its screening process identifies members in crisis.
“ This program is tangibly improving members’ mental health,” says Tony Farah, MD, executive vice president, chief medical and clinical transformation officer at Highmark Health.“ It is delivering the right care at the right time and helping members when they need it most.”
Removing Barriers to Care
Mental Well-Being removes the stigma associated with seeking help. The majority( 80 %) of participating members had not received treatment in the previous 18 months or more. The program ' s private, digital solution makes it easier for employees to access care, with 77 % reporting that it is easy to use.
Looking Ahead
Highmark has introduced an EAP + Mental Well- Being option for its self-insured clients. An option is planned to be available for fully insured clients in 2026.
Enhanced substance use disorder( SUD) services are also available.
Visit highmarkemployer. com and contact your Highmark client manager to learn more about Mental Well-Being and how it can benefit your team.