GiftCard Partners Blog

Healthcare organizations focused on improving health plan member engagement face a familiar challenge: members often do not complete the visits and screenings needed to close care gaps. Missed primary care visits, telehealth appointments, and in-home assessments limit the effectiveness of preventive care and chronic condition management programs. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, chronic diseases remain the leading cause of illness and healthcare spending in the United States, making consistent care engagement essential¹. Strategic incentives tied to specific clinical actions can help motivate members to follow through with the care they need.

Chronic diseases cost healthcare providers and employers $36 billion annually. Fortunately, there are multiple ways to combat the risk chronic disease poses on patients and employees. Avoid high healthcare premiums and low productivity due to chronic illnesses by downloading our free guide. 

As Medicaid and Medicare program administrators begin planning the ensuing year’s member programs, there is an increasing need to focus on member experience in order to maintain member populations and raise retention rates within provider networks.

Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs), Medicaid/Medicare payers, and community health programs work year-round to improve preventive care compliance. Yet many beneficiaries still skip their annual screenings due to work conflicts, transportation issues, or a lack of understanding about the long-term value of preventive care.

The cash vs. gift card debate in the reward and incentive world has a common misconception that cash is more appealing, therefore more motivating, to someone receiving it. However, studies show that gift cards are not only more intrinsically appealing, but also more effective at creating positive associations and changing behavior.