March 16, 2026

Employees and employers can get more ROI from their benefits

Employers invest a significant amount in their employee health plans each year. But here’s something many organizations discover: some of the most valuable benefits included in those plans are the ones employees don’t even realize they have.

When benefits go unused because people simply aren’t aware of them, employees miss out on support that could improve their health and simplify their health care experience. At the same time, employers miss an opportunity to maximize the value of the benefits they’re already paying for.

The good news is that many health plans include built-in resources designed to support employees in meaningful ways. Here are a few of the most commonly overlooked benefits, and why they matter.

Case Management Nurses: A Guide Through Complex Care

When someone is facing a serious or complicated health condition, navigating the health care system can feel overwhelming. That’s where case management nurses can make a tremendous difference.

Case management programs typically connect members with experienced nurses who help coordinate care, answer questions, and serve as a knowledgeable resource throughout a treatment journey. They can assist with things like understanding treatment options, organizing appointments, and connecting members with appropriate providers.

For employees dealing with complex diagnoses, having a knowledgeable advocate in their corner can make the health care experience far less stressful, and often leads to better outcomes.

Additionally, chronic conditions such as diabetes, asthma, heart disease, and hypertension are among the most common health challenges employees face today. Many health plans include disease management programs designed to help individuals manage these conditions more effectively.

These programs typically provide education, coaching, and ongoing support to help members stay on track with treatment plans, medications, and healthy lifestyle changes. For employees, this can mean better day-to-day health and fewer complications down the road. For employers, it often translates into improved health outcomes and more manageable long-term health care costs.

Telehealth: Convenient Care From Anywhere

Telehealth has become increasingly popular in recent years, but many employees still don’t realize it may already be included in their health plan.

Virtual visits can be a convenient option for addressing common health concerns such as minor illnesses, prescription refills, or follow-up consultations, often without the need to leave home or take extended time away from work. Telehealth can reduce barriers to care and help employees address health concerns quickly before they become bigger issues.

Preventive Care: Covered Services That Protect Long-Term Health

Preventive care is one of the most valuable and underutilized components of many health plans. Services like annual physicals, recommended screenings, and certain vaccinations are often covered at little to no cost to members.

These services are designed to detect potential health concerns early, when they are often easier and less expensive to treat. Encouraging employees to take advantage of preventive care can play an important role in maintaining a healthier workforce over time.

Helping Employees Make the Most of Their Benefits

The challenge for many employers isn’t offering valuable benefits; it’s ensuring employees know how to use them.

Clear communication and education can go a long way toward helping employees understand the resources available to them. Whether through benefits guides, internal communications, or educational initiatives, helping employees discover these “hidden” benefits can improve both the employee experience and the overall effectiveness of a health plan.

At Nova, we believe employee benefits work best when people understand how to use it. By helping employers shine a light on the benefits already built into their plans, organizations can empower employees to take full advantage of the support available to them.

Because sometimes, the most valuable benefits are the ones people simply didn’t know to look for.

Learn more about possible barriers to care and how our team at Nova helps members overcome them.