The Future of Men’s Health

June is National Men’s Health Month, a time to remind men of the health issues they face and what they can do to take charge of their wellbeing. In recent years, the importance of comprehensive health benefits in the workplace has surged, along with the costs of care. This is especially impactful in areas that have historically received less attention, such as men's health. As the majority of men do not engage in prevention and care to the extent we see in female populations, this results in larger numbers of high-cost claimants, emergent admissions, and later-stage diagnoses.

According to the Indiana University School of Medicine, men are significantly less likely than women to see a doctor or report symptoms to a healthcare provider. Only 60% of men go to the doctor for a yearly, routine checkup, and 40% won’t go until something is seriously wrong. “Despite these statistics, 20% of men report seeing a doctor so their significant other or a loved one will stop nagging them,” said Helen Bernie, DO, MPH, Director of Male Sexual and Reproductive Medicine and assistant professor of urology.

Here are some other important facts about men’s health to know from the Indiana University School of Medicine June 2023 Published Article:

• The overall mortality rate is 41% higher for men than women – and the same is true for eight out of the ten leading causes of death—including heart disease, cancer, stroke, and diabetes.
• 31% of men suffer depression in their lifetime and 9% of men report daily feelings of depression or anxiety; however, only one in four will ever talk to a mental health professional. Pay attention to signs of depression within yourself and your loved ones - and don’t be afraid to seek help.
• Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths for men in the United States. Encourage your employees to talk to their doctors about having PSA and DRE levels checked annually; in fact, National Men's Health Month is a great reminder to make that annual appointment!

Organizations with high populations of male employees may wish to consider population-specific, targeted efforts to encourage their male employees to seek regular care.

• Communicate with the household decisionmaker. During open enrollment or annual employee surveys, ask employees to designate who makes the healthcare decisions in their household. If it is the spouse or significant other, collect their contact information – this will allow organizations to send decision-makers important reminders throughout the year in their preferred formats, such as email, postcard, or text message.
• Implement annual or semi-annual on-site clinics for preventative testing or vaccines, such as biometric screenings, PSA testing, and flu shots.
• Incorporate population-specific wellness campaigns into your employee engagement calendar, with reminders for wellness initiatives and preventative screenings.
• Consider adding voluntary benefits to your benefits plan with a wellness screening benefit, such as accident, critical illness, or hospital indemnity coverage. These voluntary plans are inexpensive and can provide an annual wellness benefit payout when certain conditions are met, such as receiving an annual physical, getting routine bloodwork, or completing a dental cleaning.

Traditional healthcare delivery systems often lead to high costs for employers without adequately addressing the specific needs of male employees. This leaves a gap in care for male-specific conditions such as reproductive health and prostate issues, sexual dysfunction, hormonal imbalances, urinary tract infections, and preventative cancer screenings. Thanks to the advancements in healthcare and benefits delivery technology, the future of men's health can incorporate specialized digital clinic services addressing these challenges head-on, potentially eliminating the need for in-office visits while offering a simple, cost-effective approach that meets men where they are. With end-to-end virtual access to care that enables prevention, comprehensive multi-condition assessment, diagnosis and care management, employers can transform the landscape of men’s health benefits in their workplace.

About Bastion Health

Bastion Health stands as a center of excellence for men’s healthcare services, catering specifically to the needs of self-insured employers and their health plans. By leveraging advanced technology and a unique virtual care model, Bastion Health offers an integrated solution that encompasses specialist consultations, advanced diagnostic tests, and a seamless connection with the healthcare system. This approach ensures that men can access high-quality care tailored to their specific health needs, regardless of their location or busy schedule.

For more information on managing men's health within your organization, or for more information on Bastion Health, please contact your AssuredPartners Team.