Exploring the nexus of social determinants and employer healthcare plans, UnitedHealth and HAC conducted a comprehensive study. Analyzing data from over 200,000 workers, the research unveiled significant correlations between social factors and health outcomes. Key findings underscored the prevalence of social determinant risks and their impact on healthcare costs. Furthermore, the study identified age-related disparities, with millennials and Gen Z bearing higher burdens. The report concludes with actionable recommendations for employers to optimize population-level health outcomes, emphasizing the importance of tailored interventions and data-driven strategies.
In an era marked by increasing awareness of the profound influence of social determinants on health, the intersection of employer-sponsored healthcare plans and community well-being is under scrutiny. Recognizing this dynamic landscape, UnitedHealth and the Health Action Council embarked on a groundbreaking study to explore the intricate connections between social factors and health outcomes within the context of employer plans. With a focus on data-driven analysis and population-level insights, the research endeavors to provide actionable insights to empower employers in optimizing healthcare strategies and fostering healthier communities.
Conducted by UnitedHealthcare in collaboration with the Health Action Council (HAC), a nonprofit representing a vast array of employers, the study delved into community health data from HAC’s plan sponsors, encompassing a staggering 217,779 employees. The analysis unearthed that a significant 52% of adults grapple with at least one social determinant of health (SDOH) risk. Among this cohort, 10% faced three or more risks, while 16% contended with two risk factors. Moreover, 26% were identified as having a singular SDOH risk factor.
Chief Data and Analytics Officer for UnitedHealthcare Employer and Individual, Craig Kurtzweil, emphasized the groundbreaking nature of the study, describing it as offering a pioneering perspective on the multifaceted variables impacting community and employer health. He noted that upon closer examination, the profound impact of these factors becomes unmistakable.
Geographically, the report delineated notable disparities. For instance, South Carolina exhibited a markedly higher rate of premature mortality compared to California, with 10,898 premature deaths per 100,000 individuals versus 7,020, respectively. This divergence underscores the critical role of regional differences in health outcomes.
Further analysis revealed that individuals residing in states characterized by lower health scores and heightened risks incurred elevated health costs. Specifically, within the HAC population, a staggering 66% resided in the 20 states ranked lowest in terms of various health factors. However, if this group were situated in the top 20 states for health outcomes, potential annual savings of $61 million per member per month could be realized, constituting approximately 7% of the trend.
The study also illuminated age-related disparities in social health challenges. Millennials, constituting the second-largest cohort at 35%, exhibited the highest propensity for three or more SDOH risk factors, with 13% falling into this category. Generation Z closely followed, with 11% experiencing at least three social risk factors. Financial difficulties and social isolation emerged as primary concerns for both cohorts, with 45% of millennials and 30% of Gen Z workers grappling with financial health issues. Additionally, 38% of millennials and 36% of Gen Zers reported feelings of social isolation.
Kurtzweil emphasized the evolving landscape of healthcare utilization, particularly among millennials, who are increasingly seeking convenient and virtual care options over traditional brick-and-mortar establishments. This shift underscores the necessity for the healthcare system to swiftly adapt to changing demographic preferences.
In response to these findings, the report outlines actionable steps that employers can take to enhance population-level health outcomes. Central to these efforts is the expansion of data sets to encompass SDOH information, community-level data, and geographic considerations. Patty Starr, President and CEO of HAC, highlighted the significance of drilling down into subpopulations to provide targeted education and support tailored to individual or group needs. She underscored the importance of recognizing regional variations, noting that interventions effective in one area may not necessarily yield similar results elsewhere.
In essence, as the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, understanding the impact of social determinants on health outcomes is paramount for employers seeking to enhance the efficacy of their healthcare plans. The collaborative study by UnitedHealth and HAC sheds light on the pervasive influence of social factors, underscoring the need for targeted interventions and data-driven approaches. By leveraging comprehensive data analysis and adopting a holistic view of population health, employers can navigate the complexities of social determinants and drive meaningful improvements in health outcomes while containing costs. This study catalyzes informed decision-making and underscores the imperative of prioritizing social factors in the design and implementation of employer-sponsored healthcare plans.