Global Health Trends
Why Employers Care
As businesses expand operations worldwide, consideration for the health of employees also comes into global view. Specifically, global health trends are important to employers as these trends enable them to design relevant benefit plans, anticipate the future costs of care, and make programs available to address the health needs of the workforce. Access to quality care, diminishing government funding of health care services in many regions, counterfeit medications, poorly developed networks of care, among other challenges, are of concern to employers who operate globally.
What Can Employers Do?
Many large employers follow global public health trends so they can be proactive in developing appropriate and reasoned responses to the changing needs of the workforce. A critical element in the effective management of the health of employees outside the US is the development of strong working relationships by those in the US with staff in the regions. Companies with both centralized and decentralized organizational structures are finding new and innovative ways to collaborate with local staff to understand regional issues that will have a significant impact on the success or failure of planned health initiatives or benefits changes. Large employers also recognize that they cannot help employees make positive changes in health without also addressing the health needs of the communities in which they operate. To this end, many engage governments and other relevant local organizations to implement community-wide initiatives.
Global Health Benefits Institute Resources
- Introduction to Joint Commission International – June 5, 2008
Joint Commission International presents on its global initiatives, and its perspective on medical tourism.
Note that this is a large presentation, and it will take time to download.
- International Health Regulations Webinar Presentation – March 26, 2008
This Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-sponsored webinar discussed the World Health Organization's (WHO) revised international health regulations and its impact on multinational employers. WHO developed a FAQ sheet on the revised international health regulations. Here is the webinar recording.
- Netherlands' Reformed Health Insurance System – September 30, 2007
This overview explains the various components of the Netherlands' reformed health insurance system that provides universal coverage.
- France and Singapore Update – September 27, 2007
Mercer presented on upcoming legislative changes in France and Singapore and discussed the impact on employers.
- Retirement Plans in Japan Quick Survey – June 29, 2007
This quick survey inquires about multinationals' Japan-based retirement plans especially defined contribution ones.
- Observations on Global Healthcare and Related Issues – December 14, 2005
CIGNA presented the differences across 9 country-based healthcare systems. Content included: resources, education, culture, style, philosophy, complementary and alternative medicine, and economic incentives.
- Trends and Product Development in Growth and Developed Countries – August 17, 2005
CIGNA International and Aetna shared insights on the development of and trends in global healthcare benefits including disaster preparedness, international healthcare challenges, changing regulatory environments, and international assignees.
Other Resources
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