How can we design benefits to reduce ER and hospital usage while improving care access?

Reducing unnecessary ER visits starts with making everyday care simple, affordable, and proactive. When employees can reach a trusted provider early—without cost or complexity—they’re more likely to get the right care at the right time.

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Employers can design benefits that encourage smarter care decisions by focusing on access and prevention:

• Make primary care the foundation. Build every plan around primary care, not as an optional add-on. A dedicated provider can manage most health needs—from preventive care to chronic condition support.
• Remove financial barriers. Eliminate co-pays and hidden costs for primary and preventive services. When care is free to access, employees use it sooner and stay healthier.
• Offer flexible access points. Combine virtual, in-home, and local options to meet employees where they are. Convenience keeps people out of the ER for non-emergencies.
• Include mental health support. Addressing stress, anxiety, and depression within primary care prevents avoidable crises and reduces hospital visits.
• Leverage proactive outreach. Use data and benefits partners to identify higher-risk employees and offer early check-ins or reminders before conditions worsen.

Simplify navigation. Clear education on when and how to use benefits helps employees choose the right care setting.

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Vitable’s primary-care-first model provides employees with $0 access to care—virtually or in-home—for preventive visits, chronic care, and mental health support. By making care simple, predictable, and human, Vitable helps employers lower ER and hospital utilization while improving access and outcomes.

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When benefits are built around accessible primary care, employees get help early, avoid unnecessary ER visits, and stay healthier—all while employers keep costs predictable.

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