Navigating new healthcare legislation: what employers need to know

Healix’s strategic key account director Paul Farthing unpacks the latest legislative updates and their implications in the workplace.

A new government and recent King's Speech have brought to light a host of new legislations directly affecting healthcare in the UK.

We’ll explore strategic adjustments necessary for compliance and optimising employee healthcare benefits while referencing the recent King’s Speech and its influence on future healthcare legislation.

What are the recent legislation changes?

The healthcare landscape in the UK is evolving, driven by new legislation aimed at enhancing accessibility, affordability, and quality of care.

The King’s Speech emphasised the government’s dedication to advancing the healthcare system, introducing several initiatives set to shape future healthcare legislation:

Healthcare funding and access: The government has pledged to increase funding for the National Health Service (NHS) with the aim of reducing waiting times for treatments. With no clear understanding as to how long the backlog will take to be seen to, employees might increasingly turn to private healthcare solutions to bypass NHS delays, prompting employers to adapt their healthcare offerings accordingly.
Mental health initiatives: A significant focus on mental health includes measures to improve services and support. Employers will need to adjust their healthcare trusts to offer comprehensive mental health coverage and support, aligning with new standards and increased funding for mental health services.
Digital health innovations: Encouraging the adoption of digital health technologies, such as telemedicine and electronic health records, is another legislative goal. Employers should integrate these technologies into their healthcare offerings, enhancing service delivery and efficiency for employees.
Preventative healthcare and wellness programs: Emphasising preventative healthcare and wellness programs aims to reduce the NHS burden. Employers should consider incorporating preventative care and wellness initiatives into their healthcare trusts, promoting healthier lifestyles among employees and potentially reducing long-term healthcare costs.

What does this mean for employers and employees?

With all of the legislative changes, it's important that employers evaluate the healthcare benefits they’re offering to their employees, paying close attention to the following areas:

Compliance with regulatory standards: Ensuring healthcare trusts meet new regulatory requirements is essential. This includes enhanced data protection standards for health records and compliance with new mental health service guidelines. Regular audits and policy updates will help to maintain compliance, and working with a reputable trust administrator will streamline this process for organisations.
Employee engagement and satisfaction: Healthcare benefits significantly impact employee satisfaction and help to bolster benefit packages, increasing retention and hiring of new talent. Enhancing healthcare trusts with new services, such as expanded mental health support and digital health tools, is crucial. Engaging employees in updating healthcare benefits fosters a sense of inclusion and satisfaction.
Customising healthcare plans: Offering more customised healthcare plans that cater to a diverse workforces' needs is incredibly important. This includes flexible healthcare options, personalised wellness programs, and tailored mental health support, addressing unique health needs and improving overall health outcomes.

What strategic adjustments should employers consider implementing?

To navigate the new healthcare legislation effectively, employers should consider the following strategic adjustments:

Review and update healthcare trust policies: Conduct thorough reviews of existing healthcare policies to ensure they align with the latest legislative requirements. Update policies to incorporate new benefits, such as expanded mental health coverage and digital health services, while maintaining compliance and ensuring optimal care.
Enhance communication and education: Educate employees about the changes in healthcare legislation and how they impact their benefits. Clear communication will help employees understand the value of the updated healthcare trust, any additional benefits, and how to make the most of the new services offered. Employers should work with their healthcare trust provider to provide training sessions, informational webinars, and detailed guides that can help improve awareness and engagement.
Leverage technology: Investing in digital health solutions can help streamline healthcare delivery and provide easier access to benefits for a wider range of employees. Telemedicine and healthcare apps both help improve the efficacy and effectiveness of healthcare benefits. Through partnering with a healthcare trust provider who already uses technology to provide a seamless service and who partners with services providing digital healthcare solutions is a good step forward.
Partner with experts: Collaborating with healthcare experts and healthcare advisors can help navigate legislative complexities. Working with a healthcare trust provider with years of experience is important when employers are looking for valuable insights into best practices and innovative healthcare management solutions.
Stay up to date on developments: The King’s Speech highlighted the government’s long-term healthcare reform commitment, indicating potential future changes. Employers should look to their healthcare trust provider for this information and use these updates to make needed changes to the healthcare benefits they offer to employees.

The recent healthcare legislation changes, underscored by the King’s Speech, signal a transformative period for the UK healthcare system.

For employers, this presents both challenges and opportunities.

By staying informed, making strategic adjustments, and prioritising compliance and employee wellbeing, employers can navigate the new healthcare landscape successfully.

At Healix Health, we are committed to supporting employers through this transition, providing expert advice and innovative solutions to ensure the best possible outcomes for both employers and their employees.

Proactively adapting to the new legislative environment not only ensures compliance but also enhances the value of the healthcare benefits on offer, leading to a healthier, more satisfied workforce.

As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, staying ahead of the curve is essential for maintaining a competitive edge and further fostering a positive workplace culture.