Large self-funded employers who step outside the box when it comes to health benefits are saving significant money on per-member, per-month claims costs — as much as 15 percent.

That's according to a multi-year analysis from health care concierge Accolade. The study finds the employers saving all the money are using high-touch, high-tech advocacy which proactively engages employees in their own care and encourages them toward better health care decisions. And not only does it save money, it significantly improves member satisfaction.

In a cost-savings study of large, self-funded employer customers using Accolade's engagement and influence model, representing close to 1 million employees, employers are saving from 3 percent to 5 percent in claim costs in the first year and up to 15 percent in the fifth year, representing a 3:1 return on investment. The results were validated by independent actuarial firm Milliman, Inc.