High-value care is becoming a priority. Last year, employers’ health costs grew at the fastest pace in 15 years while outcomes did not necessarily improve; life expectancy did not rise, nor did patient satisfaction. Leading employers are finding strategies to spend less and also ensure their dollars go toward high-value care.

The carrier-native approach: A necessary foundation with limits

Most national medical carriers offer provider performance tiering based on cost and quality. These programs can help steer members to higher-value providers through incentives like lower copays/coinsurance. Mercer’s Survey on Health and Benefits Strategies for 2027 found 14% of large employers offer this type of plan.

Provider selection tools: Greater precision, better steerage

For employers seeking more insight, consider independent quality-based provider selection tools. These tools overlay an existing health plan and provide physician scoring to help members identify high-performing providers. Mercer’s survey indicates 8% of large employers are using these tools and 31% are considering.

Building a strategic framework

Leading employers are adopting high-value care strategies and trusting the savings will follow. The best strategies steer and support the member while managing costs and not forcing trade-offs. Three suggestions to start building a strategy:

• Maximize the value of steerage programs already in place
• Consider independent quality solutions for more precision
• Build high-value care into plan architecture through cost-sharing incentives tied to provider quality.

For leading employers, the question is no longer whether to pursue a high-value care strategy—but rather, which model is right for the organization. Read more here.