The latest benefit the insurer is adding are pelvic health offerings. Around 1 in 4 women experience a pelvic floor disorder, which can be caused by pregnancy or menopause.
Lisa Scarfo, MD, senior medical director at Mass General Brigham Health Plan, said many women do not seek out treatment for pelvic floor disorder.
On average, women wait more than six years to seek treatment for pelvic floor disorders, according to a September news release from Mass General Brigham Health Plan.
“It’s been so exciting and enlightening to see these conversations happening. Menopause, pelvic health support, these are conversations that were not happening 10 years ago,” Dr. Scarfo said. “It’s really fantastic to see these kinds of resources be available and to be able to provide that kind of support.”
Mass General Brigham and other health plans are shifting their strategies to be more inclusive of women across different stages of life.
UnitedHealthcare, the nation’s largest insurer, recommends employers offer benefits to support women through adolescence and young adulthood, adult health and wellness, family building and peri- through post-menopause.
According to data from Mercer, 46% of employers offer at least one health benefit specifically for women in 2024, up from 37% in 2023.
Medicare Advantage plans have also aimed to better tailor care to women. In 2024, SCAN Health Plan launched a Medicare Advantage plan designed specifically for women, including estrogen therapy without a copay, and enhanced over-the-counter benefits for women’s health and wellness products.
Blue Shield of Minnesota struck a value-based contract with Herself Health, a provider focused on caring for older women.
It’s not uncommon for payers to focus on preventive care, Dr. Scarfo said, but the scope of preventive care could be better tailored to what women need.
Many health plans have care management programs for diabetes, hypertension or cardiac conditions, but don’t include things like pregnancy or infant loss, she said.
“Acknowledging those needs, supporting members, thinking a little bit outside the typical chronic diseases that most plans provide additional services or care management for is really important,” Dr. Scarfo said.
