REBA Thought Leaders: Kevin Newman of Willis Towers Watson on healthcare advancements

Radical healthcare advancements come with difficult decisions for employers around their insurance provision. Watch REBA's Debi O'Donovan in her interview with Kevin Newman, head of health and benefits at Willis Towers Watson, about the latest healthcare developments and what employers need to be thinking about before their next renewal date.

There are many things for reward and benefit directors to think about that are impacting insurance costs and risk. One such development is the introduction of advanced therapy medicinal products, of which somatic cell therapies are a part of.

Newman focuses his attention on somatic cell therapies, in particular, CAR-T and how the introduction of this treatment will affect patient outcomes and employers' healthcare insurance.

"As clients come into their next renewal cycle they're going to have to think about policy and procedure, about whether they're going to cover such treatments - as they are today and as they expand out - and the cost implications," he says.

Another trend in the market is a greater emphasis from employees and employers on diversity and inclusion, and whether the insurance products that are provided are truly inclusive of all population groups. Newman explains how companies can review their insurance offering and the implications of being truly inclusive.

"An area that is developing quite quickly now is family-friendly policies," says Newman. "One in particular, is the opportunity to start thinking about whether we [employers] want to provide financial support, physical support and emotional support for fertility treatment."

Another big area of healthcare development is the challenge of noncommunicable diseases: cardiovascular diseases, cancer, mental health, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes. Technology is helping to mitigate some of the impact of these conditions.

Newman highlights that the majority of disability and absence comes through these conditions, and there are several risk factors that are associated, including: tobacco use, alcohol, inactivity, diet and poor air quality.

Given the number of health apps now available on the market, employers are beginning to look at how these and other technologies can be used to personalise healthcare to mitigate risk factors and help people make lifestyle changes.