In today’s fast-paced work environment, employee wellness is no longer just a nice-to-have; it’s a priority sought by employees, employers, and even future applicants alike. Companies that invest in holistic health support for their teams don’t just foster happier employees, they also see increases in productivity, retention, and workplace culture. And what’s one of the most effective ways to promote wellness at work? A comprehensive, hassle-free corporate HMO plan.
How do corporate health plans impact your employees—or rather, how should they? Let’s explore how your team can maximize their modern benefits and enjoy easy, streamlined systems like LOA (Letter of Authorization or Approval) in HMO services. All of which keep your team members and their loved ones healthy, happy, and taken care of.
READ MORE: HMO Glossary: All the Definitions You Need to Know for HMO
Employee wellness refers to the overall health – physical, mental, and emotional – of your workforce. It goes beyond offering sick leaves or fitness perks. When paired with a dependable HMO provider, wellness becomes a core business value, directly affecting:
Corporate HMO plans play a huge role in this ecosystem, offering accessible care that encourages early intervention, prevents burnout, and supports employees through every life stage.
When you're enrolled in a corporate HMO plan, it’s crucial to understand what you’re entitled to. This is the first step for any individual to start availing of their health plan, but more often than not, it’s also what can intimidate them. It’s the job of the HMO to make sure their members can pass this hurdle and know their coverage and benefits; or at least have a way to access them.
This makes the transition smoother for any new members and sets the tone for easier use of health benefits; not just in times of emergency, but for everyday wellness too.
Corporate HMO plans usually come with a set of standard benefits that cover the basics, and what goes beyond that differs from each HMO. These often include inpatient care (hospitalization), outpatient consultations or procedures, emergency services, and even dental care.
One key inclusion that employees should be aware of is coverage for pre-existing conditions. If the HMO offers this, it’s a big benefit, especially for those having been diagnosed with something prior to the coverage date or managing long-term health issues. These standard benefits are what employees lean on the most, so making sure they’re clearly communicated and simple to avail of is one of the best ways to support everyday wellness.
Prevention is better than cure, which is why it is at the heart of employee wellness. Staying on top of their check-ups is essential for detecting early health issues, and so most corporate HMO plans in the Philippines include Annual Physical Exams (APE), which promotes this regularly. Pre-Employment Medical Exams (PEME) extends this to applicants or soon-to-be employees to ensure a safe and fit work environment for all.
Mental health in the workplaces here in the Philippines is now a priority for many, especially as the pandemic brought about greater awareness to mental health issues. More and more corporate health plans are including access to licensed psychologists and/or psychiatrists and free online consultations for emotional and psychological support – even going as far as diagnosing members and giving them access to the medicine they need. These services are no longer fringe benefits; they’ve become essential components for a well-rounded HMO package.
While stress is a natural part of any workplace across all industries and roles, companies that truly care about their people go beyond acknowledging it. They take proactive steps to help their teams manage stress and prevent burnout. Still, culture plays a big role. In the Philippines, where conversations around mental health are only beginning to open up, a company’s willingness to normalize these benefits – rather than treat them as taboo – can shift not only how teams feel, but how they show up every day.
READ MORE: What to Consider When Looking for HMO for your Company
The Letter of Authorization or Approval (LOA) is your gateway to HMO-covered services. It gives you access to medical consultations, lab tests, or treatments without paying out of pocket.
Because the LOA serves as your payment for your availment, how easy it is to acquire can impact the entire patient experience. Modern HMO providers make it easier than ever to get your LOA. Whether through an online portal, a customer care hotline, or concierge desk, members should have multiple options to generate an LOA quickly. This avoids the common hassle of long waiting times.
So why does this matter? A simplified LOA process encourages usage of your HMO— reducing reliance on reimbursement processes, which often strain employees' wallets and delay care. It's wellness and financial peace of mind for your team.
When companies actively support employee wellness, the returns go beyond goodwill:
READ MORE: How to Build an Employee-Centric Culture
A well-structured HMO doesn’t just tick a box on your benefits package; it’s part of your infrastructure for a healthy, high-performing team. When paired with a platform that’s fast, responsive, and clear, your HMO becomes more than just a provider—it becomes a partner in employee wellness. And thus plays a hand in building a culture of care for your entire organization.
Learn how Hive Health simplifies HMO for HR teams and empowers employees here.
