Look for benefits packages that go beyond the ordinary

As healthcare costs shift to consumers, it is important to look at benefits packages that offer more than just vision, health, and dental care. There are many plans that can help consumers improve their overall health, including financial and mental well-being.

Employers recognize the importance of robust benefits packages and some have added new options to satisfy employee demands for more. According to a Towers Watson survey, 34% of respondents said they offer more flexibility with voluntary benefits. Companies such as AflacThey are expanding their services to include credit monitoring, supplemental accident benefits, and financial protection for employees.

Here are three additional services consumers can look for as they choose benefits options offered by their employer.

* Fraud protection: According to the Identity Theft Resource Center, by the middle of 2015, there were a total of 424 data breaches, compromising millions of consumers’ personal and financial information. Employer-sponsored benefits should include services that help employees protect their personal and financial information. It is no secret that mobile technology has made consumers more vulnerable.

* Telemedicine: A Towers Watson survey showed that almost half of employers offer telemedicine, and by 2018 that number is expected to rise to 90 percent. Many companies are now offering remote access to qualified health professionals that can diagnose common conditions and offer personalized treatment. This is a convenient and low-cost alternative to hospital visits.

* Benefits management support: According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), medical debts account for 52 percent of debt collection actions that appear on consumer credit reports. Kaiser Family Foundation discovered that 1 in 3 Americans have difficulty paying their medical bills. Many companies now offer administrative support to employees to help them negotiate unpaid medical bills. These options could be beneficial to consumers who worry about their ability to pay their medical bills.

Now is the right time to look for and demand more benefits packages from employers, as consumers are increasingly responsible for their own health. For more about the value-added services Aflac is offering, visit: aflac.com/aflac-business-solutions.