Data-driven decision making is leading to the addition of several new or improved benefits for U.S.-based Koch employees.
Koch employees have seen increased access to innovative health care solutions during the past few years, thanks to the efforts of the Koch Benefits team.
The team is using data to make better decisions and increase access to desired health care solutions, which may improve health outcomes and reduce costs.
“We want to offer things that work, that people can access and that make a difference,” says Angela Pearce, vice president of HR solutions.
The transformation began around 2019 when the benefits team decided that it needed to better connect Koch employees with their own health. To accomplish this, it launched the Koch Wellbeing program, which included providing comprehensive biometric screening.
Angela says that after five years of the program, they’ve seen a reduced risk profile for seven of the eight screened categories.
The team's initial success with the wellbeing program led them to try to find other targeted solutions. Their work has led to the introduction of several new and innovative services for Koch’s U.S.-based employees. These include access to specialized surgery and cancer care through Carrum Health, weight and diabetes management through Omada, and mental health and wellbeing services through Spring Health.
“We’ve really seen a shift in how we’re thinking about managing our health plan and providing our employees and their families convenient ways to get care that’s going to meet them where they are and help them get the support and care they need,” says Matthew Hall, the benefits strategy manager for Koch Global Services.
He says the goal is to find programs that are mutually beneficial to both the company’s cost and the employee’s experience. Feedback from employees has helped them realize where there might be gaps. Combining that information with high-level claims data guides them to look for solutions that can provide the greatest benefit to the groups that need it most.
He says one of the most well-received recently added benefits is Pomelo Care — 24/7 telehealth services for pregnancy and infant care.
Lauren Campen is an employee with Georgia-Pacific. She says being able to connect with professionals at Pomelo Care whenever she needs has given her peace of mind as she tries to make the best choices for her infant.
“Knowing that they are available to you whenever you need them is so reassuring,” she says. “Anytime a new milestone is coming up, they are proactively sending me resources.”
The Koch Benefits team has also partnered with Koch Disruptive Technologies to take advantage of their unique capabilities and knowledge of the health care technology market.
The knowledge shared between the two groups allowed the Koch Benefits team to discover Oshi Health, a virtual and specialized gastrointestinal care provider, and Neura Health, a virtual neurology clinic that can help treat migraines, sleep disorders, concussions and more, which are now offered to Koch employees at no additional cost.
“KDT has been a great partner in helping expand the network of companies and potential solutions we’re aware of,” Matthew says. “That’s been really helpful for us.”
The new Koch Benefits website provides a full overview of the many benefits Koch offers its employees. Angela says Koch wants to support employees so they are more engaged with their health, can make better decisions and be productive members of society.
“If our ultimate goal is to improve employee health, then we need to give them the resources that will enable them to do that,” she says. “Whatever stage you are in your life or your career — young, single, mid-career, nearing retirement — we have something for you, depending on your need.”
