Integrating Absence Management Programs Helps Reduce Costs And Improve Productivity
Aetna analysis shows that employers may be able to reduce claim costs $1,074 per claim and get employees back to work 4.72 days sooner
HARTFORD, Conn., November 01, 2011 — A recent analysis conducted by Aetna (NYSE: AET) shows that an integrated approach to managing leave and disability claims helps employees return to work faster and helps reduce absence-related productivity costs. Aetna’s Integrated Absence Management Model handles Short Term Disability (STD), Long Term Disability (LTD), Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and Leave of Absence (LOA) claims under one umbrella. “By integrating our absence management programs we can more effectively identify employees for clinical evaluation, helping to address their health needs earlier so they may return to work faster,” said Dan Fishbein, head of Group Insurance, Dental and Vision. “No matter what the reason for an employee taking a leave of absence, Aetna works directly with the member to discuss his or her treatment plan and help get them connected to the support they may need. We also work side-by-side with the employer to address accommodations that may help when the employee does return back to work.” Aetna’s 2010 analysis illustrates that when an integrated leave program is used, employers may reduce average claim costs about $1,074 per claim and get employees back to work an average of about 4.72 days sooner. The analysis was based on 2010 data comparing Aetna customers with integrated absence management to those without integrated absence management. The results of the analysis represent the experience of multiple employers, individual employer results will vary. Aetna’s absence model capitalizes on the following features to help improve the member’s experience:
Integrating disability and leave of absence claims through one channel helps members focus on what’s important – getting better and preventing lost wages. To help simplify the management process for employers, Aetna’s core model includes a variety of plan design options, service features and system capabilities. Additional services consist of customized claims intake, case management and reporting, along with modified communications and correspondence to employees. Aetna’s flexible and easy-to-use disability and absence management services focus on:
Aetna also offers both employers and employees 24-hour access to WorkAbility®, an industry-leading claim and absence management system. This on-demand, self service tool makes it easy for employees to request and update their time off from work. The system also includes tracking and reporting tools to help employers promote higher productivity and better manage staffing and work processes. "Our Plan Sponsors appreciate our active use of claim notification because it enhances their awareness of employee absenteeism, limits efficiency concerns and helps them manage operational expenses,” said Catherine Liston, head of Disability Benefits Management for Aetna. “Our integrated model also encourages program compliance to reduce unreported and underreported claims from the first date of absence, which may lead to shorter claim durations.” Aetna provides a core offering of quality disability insurance products and services that can be offered stand-alone, or in any combination. Visit Aetna.com for more information. About Aetna |