Employers know that an employee’s emotional well-being can significantly affect his or her work performance, impacting a company’s bottom line. By offering an employee assistance program, organizations reap the benefits of a happy, healthy, and productive workforce.

As 78 percent of participants complete care within the allotted EAP counseling sessions, they’re able to manage personal problems without accessing the higher cost services of their medical or behavioral health benefit. Additionally, a March 2002 study conducted by WellPoint, HealthLink’s parent company, revealed that employers reaped:

• A 33 percent reduction in the use of sick leave benefits
• A 65 percent reduction in workplace accidents
• A 30 percent reduction in workers’ compensation claims

Not only a service for employees, an EAP is a valuable resource for employers. Managers, Human Resources, and company leadership can access the EAP to help address personnel issues and maximize the productivity of the entire organization.

Why is an EAP different from medical and behavioral health benefits?

An employee assistance program is offered by employers to their employees and family members as a service separate from medical and behavioral health coverage, reducing healthcare costs. Designed to promote productivity, the EAP is focused on delivering barrier-free access for a wide range of issues – such as legal and financial consultations – that do not fall under traditional “medical necessity” criteria. By eliminating eligibility requirements, the EAP can streamline service access, helping to ensure that the participant needs are being addressed efficiently and proactively. Also, with EAP counseling sessions offered at no cost to the employee, members can access services without cost concerns.

How does the EAP work with the medical plan?

HealthLink health programs provide both a strategic entry point for mental health/substance abuse issues as well as an array of services beyond those available through traditional medical plans. Placing the EAP at the front-end of the service continuum allows for barrier-free access to behavioral health services, promoting greater employee/member participation than traditional non-integrated programs. Integration with the medical and behavioral health programs also facilitate the referral process as most EAP network providers are also members of the behavioral health network. This means that if counseling services are needed beyond the number allotted by the EAP plan design, the EAP can seamlessly transition the participant to his or her behavioral health benefit.

What services are offered to the employer/management team?

Employer services are integral to an effective employee assistance program. Each company is assigned an EAP account manager, a licensed behavioral health professional skilled in helping organizations maximize the effectiveness of their EAPs. Your company’s account manager can coordinate such employer services as:

• Critical incident stress management
• Return-to-work case management
• Drug-Free Workplace policy consultation
• Substance abuse case management
• EAP policy management, referrals, and protocols
• Workplace trauma response
• EAP training for managers and supervisors
• Workplace violence policy consultation
• Employee wellness workshops

The EAP provides managers and supervisors with unlimited telephone consultations to address personnel or workplace issues. Seasoned behavioral health professionals can advise your management on the most appropriate steps to resolve an issue before it impacts the company’s productivity.

To learn how you can have an EAP for your members, contact your local HealthLink Sales and Marketing representative .