Changes in Medical Schemes for Salary Professionals

Retention strategy is tangled in some of the policies. For instance, if an employee can carry on with his medical benefits even if he leaves the company, he would have to pay a much higher premium than the subsidized one the company presents.


Gadgil said, "The thought of paying a high premium could be a deterrent for some." They have also fetched in the notion of a 'medical concierge' to help an employee book an appointment, handle bills and so on.

Intel has balanced the need for retention with employee needs. It has altered its healthcare options this year, keeping in mind skewed claims ratios, and change in demographic profile.

The company came across the fact that employees were making claims, resulting in insurance companies charging a high premium from all employees. It now provides a flexible basket instead of a fixed plan for all.

An employee has the option to plan in the range of Rs.3 lakh to Rs.7 lakh.

The fresh plans also present discounts on outpatient coverage in specific hospitals, personal insurance at negotiated rates, and free home delivery of certain high value pharmacy items and so on.

R Anish, director-HR, Intel South Asia , said, "At the end of the day, this is a core benefit and we have given choices for employees to see which one makes most sense to them depending on what stage of life they are in. This is a critical element of the employee retention programme that puts us in an employer of choice category."

After conducting an employee survey last year, Tesco (HSC) has made additions in its health benefits programme. Employees favored paying premium installments over a six-month period rather than in one go.

Dayanand Allapur, HR head of the IT arm of the global retail chain, "The change has been introduced this year and a 24/7 insurance helpdesk has been installed now as well. These are expected to attract employees."

The company is permitting employees to amplify their insurance amount, while it will pay more for parental coverage, as well as towards life insurance for senior employees.