“Health systems have been overwhelmed by the high demand and the limited resources available, forcing them to depend on private medical providers,” the document states.
Another factor that has driven up costs is an increase in demand for mental health services in recent years, WTW detailed.
Rising trend in Latam
More than 60% of insurers foresee a greater or significantly greater medical trend in the next three years, especially in Latin America, due to the excessive use of medical assistance in various branches.
348 leading health insurers, representing 75 countries, as well as WTW brokers from 55 markets participated in the exercise.
This panorama, the statement states, poses a constant challenge for employers, who consider that the cost of medical care represents unsustainable increases for their organizations.
While they recognize factors that may be outside their control that influence costs, they plan to take key actions to drive the effectiveness and value of their health plans:
1. Preventive care: Promote, facilitate and encourage opportunities for screening, early detection measures, vaccines and educational sessions/campaigns to help prevent and detect health conditions earlier, so they are easier and less expensive to treat.
2. Supplier solutions: Consider programs that target certain chronic conditions (e.g., musculoskeletal diseases, diabetes, etc.) to provide services aimed at improving long-term prognoses.
3. Expand wellness offerings: Extend support beyond physical and emotional, including social and financial well-being, to foster positive health outcomes for employees and their families.
The Survey highlights the role that Artificial Intelligence (AI) plays in the provision of health services by insurers, in areas related to communication, administrative and operation plans, navigation solutions and personalized recommendations.
The issue of fertility and family planning that will be offered by 2025 was also addressed. The exercise includes specialized consultation services, men’s health, and in vitro fertilization among its health care programs.
