Rising health care costs are a concern for everyone. And as costs increase, so do insurance premiums. High premiums, coupled with uncertain economic times, are causing some employers to consider eliminating employee benefits. Businesses generally consider health care insurance essential to employee recruitment and retention. So where do they turn in their cost-cutting efforts? Ancillary benefits such as dental insurance. Eliminating dental insurance may save money in the short-term, but it can have long-term financial and health consequences.

Without some type of benefits, employees think twice before visiting a health care professional for check-ups or at the first sign of a problem. Many people don’t realize that good oral health relates to overall health. In fact, routine dental check-ups can detect the signs and symptoms of serious medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, kidney failure, the onset of a stroke or complications with pregnancy. Americans who lack dental insurance are 67 percent more likely to develop heart disease and 29 percent more likely to develop diabetes.

Eliminating dental coverage could not only result in increased health insurance premiums in the future, it could dramatically affect productivity and absenteeism with employees. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, “Employed adults lose more than 164 million hours of work each year due to dental disease or dental visits.”

Companies that don’t offer or are considering eliminating dental benefits may want to reconsider their decision. There is an option that can help keep employees health and happy – health care discount cards.

With these cards, employees can purchase access to popular health care networks and receive the same discounts typically available only through a group insurance plan. The most popular cards provide discounts on dental, vision, hearing and prescription costs; however there are also cards with additional offerings available.

Discount cards are a great option for small businesses that want to provide their employees with much-valued benefits yet are considered “uninsurable” – including employers with high turnover rates, too many part-time or 1099 employees, or those who may not meet an insurer’s definition of a group. With most discount cards, there are no restrictions on who can enroll, no waiting periods, no annual limitations and no claim forms.

Discount cards also are great options for new businesses that are just stepping into the world of insurance benefits. They can offer some of the advantages of larger insurance plans at a much lower rate. Some plans offer group discounts and customizations. It’s a great first step for new companies.

Discount cards are a proactive approach to keeping employees engaged through an economic downturn. Instead of completely cutting benefits, discount cards can help maintain employee retention and morale during these tough times. When leveraged appropriately, this alternative can demonstrate how employers are looking out for the best interest of their employees.

A discount card is not insurance, so it is important to understand how the cards work. A similar concept is purchasing a membership with a discount warehouse. For a low membership cost, customers are able to shop in the warehouse and take advantage of the deep discounts these stores have negotiated with their suppliers.

Similarly, health care networks have been able to negotiate with providers much the same way as wholesale warehouses negotiate with vendors. Consumers can get discounts of 20 to 50 percent on much needed health care services with a discount card.

Much like a warehouse, discount cards have a large variety of coverage, some of which are not offered under a group insured plan. For example, the Renaissance Healthy Savings Card provides discounts for dental, pharmaceutical, vision and hearing services as well as chiropractic and alternative medicine such as acupuncture, biofeedback and massage therapy. It even includes discounts for items that help people stay healthy like vitamins and health club memberships.

Thinking creatively during these tough economic times can make you look good in the eyes of your employees. Consider discount cards – your employees will be happier and healthier.
For more information on the Renaissance Healthy Savings Card, visit www.HealthySavingsCard.com. For group sales information, contact Renaissance America at (800) 963-4596.