Skip to main content
  • Foundation
  • Executive network
  • CEO Circle
  • Enterprise Solutions
  • Linkage Logo
  • Store
  • Sign In
  • Account
    • My Account
    • Logout
    • Global
    • India
    • MENA
SHRM
About
Book a Speaker
Join Today
Renew
Rejoin Now
Renew
  • Membership
  • Certification
    Certification

    Smiling asian student studying in library with laptop books doing online research for coursework, making notes for essay homework assignment, online education e-learning concept
    Get Certified!

    Be recognized as an HR leader with your SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP credential.

    • How to Get Certified

      Demonstrate your ability to apply HR principles to real-life situations. No other HR certification compares.

      • How to Get Certified
      • Eligibility Criteria
      • Exam Details and Fees
      • SHRM-CP
      • SHRM-SCP
      • Which Certification is Best for Me
      • Certification FAQs
    • Prepare for the Exam

      Give yourself the best chance to pass your SHRM certification exam.

      • Exam Preparation
      • SHRM BASK
      • SHRM Learning System
      • Instructor-Led Learning
      • Self-Study
      • Study Aids & Add-ons
    • Recertification

      Recertify your SHRM Credentials before your end date!

      • Specialty Credentials
      • Qualifications
  • Topics & Tools
    Topics & Tools

    Stay up to date with workplace news and leverage our vast library of resources to streamline day-to-day HR tasks.

    The white house in washington, dc.
    Executive Order Impact Zone

    Do not abandon, but evaluate and evolve. It is about legal, equal opportunity for all.

    • News & Trends

      Follow breaking news and emerging workplace trends.

      Legal & Compliance

      Stay informed on workplace legal updates and their impacts.

      From the Workplace

      Explore diverse perspectives from your peers on today's workplaces.

      Flagships

      Get curated collections of podcasts, videos, articles, and more produced by SHRM.

    • HR Topics
      • AI in the Workplace
      • Civility at Work
      • Compensation & Benefits
      • Inclusion & Diversity
      • Talent Acquisition
      • Workplace Technology
      • Workplace Violence Prevention
      SEE ALL
      SHRM Research
    • Tools & Samples

      Access member resources and tools to streamline HR tasks.

      • Forms & Checklists
      • How-To Guides
      • Interactive Tools
      • Job Descriptions
      • Policies
      • Toolkits
      SEE ALL
      Ask an Advisor
  • Events & Education
    Events & Education

    SHRM25 in San Diego, June 29 - July 2, 2025
    Join us for SHRM25 in San Diego

    Register for the World’s Largest HR Conference being held on June 29 - July 2, 2025

    • Events
      • SHRM25
      • The AI+HI Project 2025
      • INCLUSION 2025
      • Talent 2026
      • Linkage Institute 2025
      SEE ALL
      Webinars
    • Educational Programs

      Designed and delivered by HR experts to empower you with the knowledge and tools you need to drive lasting change in the workplace.

      Specialty Credentials

      Demonstrate targeted competence and enhance credibility among peers and employers.

      Qualifications

      Gain a deeper understanding and develop critical skills.

    • Team Training & Development

      Customized training programs unique to your organization’s needs.

  • Business Solutions
  • Advocacy
    Advocacy

    Make your voice heard on public policy issues impacting the workplace.

    Advocacy
    SHRM's President & CEO testifies to Congress on "The State of American Education"
    • Policy Areas
      • Workforce Development
      • Workplace Inclusion
      • Workplace Flexibility & Leave
      • Workplace Governance
      • Workplace Health Care
      • Workplace Immigration
      State Affairs

      SHRM advances policy solutions in state legislatures nationwide.

      Global Policy

      SHRM is the go-to for global HR leaders and businesses on workplace matters.

    • Advocacy Team (A-Team)

      SHRM’s A-Team is a key member benefit, giving you the tools, insights, and opportunities to shape workplace policy and drive real impact.

      Take Action

      Urge lawmakers to support policies that create lasting, positive change.

      Advocacy & Legislative Resources

      Access SHRM’s curated policy materials and content.

    • SHRM-Led Coalitions
      • Generation Cares
      • The Section 127 Coalition
      • Learn More & Partner with SHRM Government Affairs
  • Community
    Community

    Woman raising hand in group
    Find a SHRM Chapter

    Easily find a local professional or student chapter in your area.

    • Chapters

      Find local connections from over 607 chapters and state councils and create your personalized HR network.

      SHRM Connect

      Post polls, get crowdsourced answers to your questions and network with other HR professionals online.

      SHRM Northern California

      Join SHRM members in the greater San Francisco Bay area for local events and networking.

    • Membership Councils

      Learn about SHRM's five regional councils and the Membership Advisory Council (MAC).

      • Membership Advisory Council
      • Regional Councils
    • Volunteers

      Learn about volunteer opportunities with SHRM.

      • Volunteer Leader Resource Center
Close
  • Membership
  • Certification
    back
    Certification
    Smiling asian student studying in library with laptop books doing online research for coursework, making notes for essay homework assignment, online education e-learning concept
    Get Certified!

    Be recognized as an HR leader with your SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP credential.

    • How to Get Certified

      Demonstrate your ability to apply HR principles to real-life situations. No other HR certification compares.

      • How to Get Certified
      • Eligibility Criteria
      • Exam Details and Fees
      • SHRM-CP
      • SHRM-SCP
      • Which Certification is Best for Me
      • Certification FAQs
    • Prepare for the Exam

      Give yourself the best chance to pass your SHRM certification exam.

      • Exam Preparation
      • SHRM BASK
      • SHRM Learning System
      • Instructor-Led Learning
      • Self-Study
      • Study Aids & Add-ons
    • Recertification

      Recertify your SHRM Credentials before your end date!

      • Specialty Credentials
      • Qualifications
  • Topics & Tools
    back
    Topics & Tools

    Stay up to date with workplace news and leverage our vast library of resources to streamline day-to-day HR tasks.

    The white house in washington, dc.
    Executive Order Impact Zone

    Do not abandon, but evaluate and evolve. It is about legal, equal opportunity for all.

    • News & Trends

      Follow breaking news and emerging workplace trends.

      Legal & Compliance

      Stay informed on workplace legal updates and their impacts.

      From the Workplace

      Explore diverse perspectives from your peers on today's workplaces.

      Flagships

      Get curated collections of podcasts, videos, articles, and more produced by SHRM.

    • HR Topics
      • AI in the Workplace
      • Civility at Work
      • Compensation & Benefits
      • Inclusion & Diversity
      • Talent Acquisition
      • Workplace Technology
      • Workplace Violence Prevention
      SEE ALL
      SHRM Research
    • Tools & Samples

      Access member resources and tools to streamline HR tasks.

      • Forms & Checklists
      • How-To Guides
      • Interactive Tools
      • Job Descriptions
      • Policies
      • Toolkits
      SEE ALL
      Ask an Advisor
  • Events & Education
    back
    Events & Education
    SHRM25 in San Diego, June 29 - July 2, 2025
    Join us for SHRM25 in San Diego

    Register for the World’s Largest HR Conference being held on June 29 - July 2, 2025

    • Events
      • SHRM25
      • The AI+HI Project 2025
      • INCLUSION 2025
      • Talent 2026
      • Linkage Institute 2025
      SEE ALL
      Webinars
    • Educational Programs

      Designed and delivered by HR experts to empower you with the knowledge and tools you need to drive lasting change in the workplace.

      Specialty Credentials

      Demonstrate targeted competence and enhance credibility among peers and employers.

      Qualifications

      Gain a deeper understanding and develop critical skills.

    • Team Training & Development

      Customized training programs unique to your organization’s needs.

  • Business Solutions
  • Advocacy
    back
    Advocacy

    Make your voice heard on public policy issues impacting the workplace.

    Advocacy
    SHRM's President & CEO testifies to Congress on "The State of American Education"
    • Policy Areas
      • Workforce Development
      • Workplace Inclusion
      • Workplace Flexibility & Leave
      • Workplace Governance
      • Workplace Health Care
      • Workplace Immigration
      State Affairs

      SHRM advances policy solutions in state legislatures nationwide.

      Global Policy

      SHRM is the go-to for global HR leaders and businesses on workplace matters.

    • Advocacy Team (A-Team)

      SHRM’s A-Team is a key member benefit, giving you the tools, insights, and opportunities to shape workplace policy and drive real impact.

      Take Action

      Urge lawmakers to support policies that create lasting, positive change.

      Advocacy & Legislative Resources

      Access SHRM’s curated policy materials and content.

    • SHRM-Led Coalitions
      • Generation Cares
      • The Section 127 Coalition
      • Learn More & Partner with SHRM Government Affairs
  • Community
    back
    Community
    Woman raising hand in group
    Find a SHRM Chapter

    Easily find a local professional or student chapter in your area.

    • Chapters

      Find local connections from over 607 chapters and state councils and create your personalized HR network.

      SHRM Connect

      Post polls, get crowdsourced answers to your questions and network with other HR professionals online.

      SHRM Northern California

      Join SHRM members in the greater San Francisco Bay area for local events and networking.

    • Membership Councils

      Learn about SHRM's five regional councils and the Membership Advisory Council (MAC).

      • Membership Advisory Council
      • Regional Councils
    • Volunteers

      Learn about volunteer opportunities with SHRM.

      • Volunteer Leader Resource Center
Join Today
Renew
Rejoin Now
Renew
  • Store
    • Global
    • India
    • MENA
  • About
  • Book a Speaker
  • Foundation
  • Executive network
  • CEO Circle
  • Enterprise Solutions
  • Linkage Logo
SHRM
Sign In
  • Account
    • My Account
    • Logout
Close

  1. Topics & Tools
  2. Workplace News & Trends
  3. Compensation & Benefits
  4. Apps Can Help Employees with Health Care
Share
  • Linked In
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Vivamus convallis sem tellus, vitae egestas felis vestibule ut.


Error message details.

Copy button
Reuse Permissions

Request permission to republish or redistribute SHRM content and materials.


Learn More
News

Apps Can Help Employees with Health Care

Tools still face price-transparency challenges

March 2, 2020 | Lin Grensing-Pophal

A man is taking a picture of a doctor on a smartphone.


Employees want their employers to provide digital health apps that help them get full value from their health and wellness benefits, a new survey reveals. Meanwhile, proposed regulations would require employers to make a cost-transparency tool available to health plan participants, although questions remain about how practical price-revealing apps are or can be.

There's an App for That

Nearly half of U.S. workers (48 percent) surveyed said they would have more confidence in digital health tools, such as apps to locate a doctor, if they were offered by their employer. Twenty-six percent said they would be more likely to stay with an employer that offered digital health tools.

These findings are from the inaugural Health on Demand survey by HR consultancy Mercer and management consultancy Oliver Wyman, which surveyed workers and employers in August 2019 and analyzed responses from more than 2,000 employees and 100 employers in the U.S.

The wider the range of health and well-being resources an employer offers—from insurance coverage to subsidized nutrition or exercise programs—the more likely workers are to feel supported and energized, and the less likely they are to leave their employer, the survey showed.

Among U.S. workers who are offered 10 or more health and well-being benefits, 68 percent believe their employer cares about them, compared to just 44 percent of those offered five or fewer.

Most U.S. workers polled said they would most value an app that "helps find the right doctor or medical care when and where needed."

"Employers looking to build a workplace culture of well-being and to improve talent retention should consider digital health investments," said Hervé Balzano, Mercer's president for health.

Most Popular Digital Health Solutions

SolutionPercentage of U.S. Workers Who Said This Would Be Extremely or Highly Valuable to Them and Their Family
An app that helps me find the right doctor or medical care when and where I need it.39%
Individual and family medical records that are electronic and portable.38%
Wearable technology to self-manage health conditions such as diabetes or heart failure.36%
Telemedicine (video chat or text with a doctor or nurse) for a simple health issue such as a rash or cold.36%
Wearable technology to self-manage well-being (e.g., fitness, sleep, blood pressure, diet, fertility).34%
Telemedicine for a significant health issue such as diabetes.32%
Mental health counseling via video chat to address issues such as anxiety, stress or mild depression.32%
New ways to help people follow their medication plans, such as implants and smart pill bottles.29%
An app that helps people find and interact with others who share their health issues and concerns.24%

Source: Mercer's Health on Demand survey.


More than 7 in 10 benefit decision-makers at U.S. companies believe digital health solutions can improve staff energy levels, and 4 out of 10 believe they can help them retain staff.

Reminding Employees to File Claims

Another way technology is helping employees make the most of their health benefits is claim integration, a process by which insurance companies use medical data or other information to identify when employees don't make a claim they are entitled to file on services received, and then notify them about their ability to file a claim for these services.

Mona Zielke, senior vice president of employee benefits claims and operations at Voya Financial, a provider of life insurance and supplemental insurance products, gave these examples:

  • "A customer taking maternity leave filed a short-term disability claim. We realized she also had a hospital indemnity product. We notified her, she submitted a hospital claim, and we paid her an additional $1,300 in benefits."
  • "A customer had a snowmobile accident and filed a short-term disability claim. We paid it and notified him that he had accident coverage. He submitted an accident claim, and we paid him another $2,795."

Tim O'Connor, director of partner integration at Voya, explained, "If we can leverage technology to help people get the benefits of the coverage they've paid for and enrolled in, then that … offers huge value to the employer."

Zielke added, "They're paying for this coverage. It's important that they understand what it is they've purchased."

Preparing for the Price-Transparency Rule

A proposed regulation published last November by the departments of Labor, Treasury, and Health and Human Services would require employer-sponsored group health plans to provide plan enrollees with estimates of their out-of-pocket expenses for services from different health care providers. Plans would make this information available through an online self-service tool so enrollees could shop and compare costs for services before receiving care.

The Transparency in Coverage proposed rule aims to make employees fully aware of their insurance carrier's negotiated prices before they receive care, allowing consumers to compare provider costs, the agencies explained. This, in turn, could promote more competition in the health care industry, pushing prices lower.

"This rule would finally put an end to the secret pricing in health care and create a fair marketplace for consumers," said Mark Galvin, president and CEO of MMS Analytics Inc., which markets MyMedicalShopper, a tool that analyzes claims data to help employers identify health care savings opportunities. Using data for this or similar apps, employers can build targeted campaigns to encourage employees to consider costs when selecting health providers and services.

Critics of the proposal say that the limits of existing technology and the complexity of health care pricing would make it difficult to deliver on the promise of health care transparency.

"The proposed rules would [require] individually tailored cost estimates prior to the receipt of services," noted Susan Nash, a partner at law firm Winston & Strawn in Chicago. While transparency in health care pricing is generally welcomed by employers, she observed, "employers may balk at the cost of preparing the online or mobile app-based cost-estimator tools or purchasing such tools from vendors."

Because much of the information required to be disclosed is specific to the participant and the health plan in which the participant is enrolled, the disclosures "will require greater coordination among employers and third-party administrators, pharmacy benefit managers, [and] disease management, behavioral health, utilization review and other specialty vendors and will require amendments to existing agreements," Nash explained.

In written comments on the proposal, Ilyse Schuman, senior vice president of health policy at the American Benefits Council, an employers group, supported "taking steps intended to increase price transparency in order to reduce health care costs" but encouraged the federal agencies that issued the proposal to consider the increased obligations it would impose on employer plans.

"Notwithstanding its benefits, the cost-sharing estimate tool ... will impose substantial burdens on plans," Schuman wrote. She encouraged the federal agencies to "develop rules that would require increased pre-service disclosures by [health care] providers to participants of the services," and called for "increased transparency… with respect to a plan's and employer's access to and use of the plan's own pricing data, including claims data and provider-specific negotiated rates" to make pricing information available to employees.

"The council is deeply concerned that even with good-faith efforts, plans may be unable to obtain some of the information needed to complete the required disclosures," Schuman stated, and she urged that final regulations include a safe harbor to address this issue.

Lin Grensing-Pophal, a freelance writer in Chippewa Falls, Wis., contributed to this article.


Related SHRM Articles:

Proposed Rule Would Require Health Plans to Disclose Out-of-Pocket Costs by Providers, SHRM Online, November 2019

Is There a Future for Price Transparency in Health Care?, SHRM Online, November 2019

Wellness Platforms Provide Flexibility, Raise Data-Privacy Concerns, SHRM Online, July 2019

Amazon Alexa Now Helps Employees Manage Health Care, SHRM Online, May 2019

Benefits
Health Care Benefits

Artificial Intelligence in the Workplace

​An organization run by AI is not a futuristic concept. Such technology is already a part of many workplaces and will continue to shape the labor market and HR. Here's how employers and employees can successfully manage generative AI and other AI-powered systems.



Related Content

Kelly Dobbs Bunting speaks onstage at SHRM24
(opens in a new tab)
News
Why AI+HI Is Essential to Compliance

HR must always include human intelligence and oversight of AI in decision-making in hiring and firing, a legal expert said at SHRM24. She added that HR can ensure compliance by meeting the strictest AI standards, which will be in Colorado’s upcoming AI law.

(opens in a new tab)
News
A 4-Day Workweek? AI-Fueled Efficiencies Could Make It Happen

The proliferation of artificial intelligence in the workplace, and the ensuing expected increase in productivity and efficiency, could help usher in the four-day workweek, some experts predict.

(opens in a new tab)
News
How One Company Uses Digital Tools to Boost Employee Well-Being

Learn how Marsh McLennan successfully boosts staff well-being with digital tools, improving productivity and work satisfaction for more than 20,000 employees.

HR Daily Newsletter

Stay up to date with the latest HR news, trends, and expert advice each business day.

Success title

Success caption

Manage Subscriptions
  • About SHRM
  • Careers at SHRM
  • Press Room
  • Contact SHRM
  • Book a SHRM Executive Speaker
  • Advertise with Us
  • Partner with Us
  • Copyright & Permissions
  • Post a Job
  • Find an HR Job
Follow Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • SHRM Newsletters
  • Ask An Advisor

© 2025 SHRM. All Rights Reserved

SHRM provides content as a service to its readers and members. It does not offer legal advice, and cannot guarantee the accuracy or suitability of its content for a particular purpose. Disclaimer


  1. Privacy Policy

  2. Terms of Use

  3. Accessibility

Join SHRM for Exclusive Access to Member Content

SHRM Members enjoy unlimited access to articles and exclusive member resources.

Already a member?
Free Article
Limit Reached

Get unlimited access to articles and member-exclusive resources.

You've reached the limit of 1 free article this month. Join to access unlimited articles and member-only resources.

Already a member?
Free Article
Exclusive Executive-Level Content

This content is for the SHRM Executive Network and Executive Content Subscription members only.

You've reached the limit of 1 free article this month. Join the Executive Network and enjoy unlimited content.

Already a member?
Free Article
Exclusive Executive-Level Content

This content is for the SHRM Executive Network and Executive Content Subscription members only.

You've reached the limit of 1 free article this month. Join and enjoy unlimited access to SHRM Executive Network Content.

Already a member?
Unlock Your Career with SHRM Membership

Please enjoy this free resource! Join SHRM for unlimited access to exclusive articles and tools.

Already a member?

Your membership is almost expired! Renew today for unlimited access to member content.

Renew now

Your membership has expired. Renew today for unlimited access to member content.

Renew Now

Your Executive Network membership is nearing its expiration. Renew now to maintain access.

Renew Now

Your membership has expired. Renew your Executive Network benefits today.

Renew Now