In today's fast-paced and demanding work environment, employee wellbeing has become a key focus for companies, and brokers play a crucial role in advocating and facilitating those mental health benefits. However, despite the increasing emphasis on mental health in the workplace, a significant number of employees are still unaware of the benefits available to them. A study completed in 2022 found just 1% of health insurance brokers believed their clients had a strong understanding of how mental health is handled in the workplace.

The pandemic highlighted the significance of mental health coverage in insurance plans, leading to a surge in demand for benefits previously overlooked by employees. Since the pandemic began, the rate of depression has tripled, impacting 1 in 3 Americans, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As a result, the majority of employers have increased their investment in mental health resources. In the current competitive talent landscape, offering comprehensive mental health benefits can help companies attract and retain top talent. 

Optimizing mental health benefits for your employer clients

Health savings accounts

Brokers play an essential role in helping clients get the most out of their mental health benefits. For example, it's important to remind clients that health savings accounts (HSAs) can be used to cover various mental health-related expenses, such as therapy, psychiatric care, substance abuse treatments, and prescription drugs. Employers can also encourage employee participation in HSAs by making contributions of their own.