ER Overload: How Employers Can Help
- Jeff Jacques, chief medical officer at Personify health, recalls a night in 1996 when he collapsed from exhaustion after a 36-hour ICU shift.
- Jacques emphasizes that people should consider their situation and know their care options,nonetheless of their medical expertise,background,or age.
- The number of visits to the ED has surpassed population growth, while about half of U.S.
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Employers hold a critical role in guiding employees through the complexities of the healthcare system. The chief takeaway: they can actively reduce the strain on emergency departments (EDs) by educating their workforce about healthcare benefits and alternatives, fostering a healthier team. Studies show that many individuals, including Gen Z and Baby Boomers, frequently enough lack healthcare system literacy and rely on the ED for non-emergencies. Employers can bridge this knowledge gap by promoting primary care, urgent care options, and online resources. News Directory 3 highlights how proactive interaction regarding healthcare benefits can lead to significant cost savings. Discover what’s next in employer-led healthcare initiatives.
Updated June 16, 2025
Dr. Jeff Jacques, chief medical officer at Personify health, recalls a night in 1996 when he collapsed from exhaustion after a 36-hour ICU shift. Waking up on his couch in scrubs, he went to the kitchen, where he accidentally cut his wrist with a chef’s knife. Instead of going to the emergency department, he cleaned and sutured the wound himself, highlighting the importance of understanding care options.
Jacques emphasizes that people should consider their situation and know their care options,nonetheless of their medical expertise,background,or age. Post-pandemic, many still rush to the ED even when it’s not the most suitable place for their treatment. baby boomers and Gen Z are disproportionately contributing to this trend, despite having access to more convenient and affordable alternatives.
The number of visits to the ED has surpassed population growth, while about half of U.S. consumers have low healthcare system literacy, according to studies. Boomers and Gen Z make up 33% of the workforce, yet many don’t know how to use their benefits effectively, burdening the system.
Gen Z employees are increasingly using the ED as a quick fix,especially for mental health,often unsure of their coverage and delaying routine checkups. Nearly half of Boomers are working past age 70 or planning to, and they frequently enough go to the ED due to a lack of familiarity with alternatives like urgent care or virtual visits.
Jacques argues that employers have a unique opportunity to activate system-wide change by addressing this healthcare literacy gap, particularly regarding emergencies.
Rising healthcare costs contribute to people skipping treatment and delaying care, increasing unnecessary ED visits. These visits cost an insured person $646 and their employer $1,807 on average. Studies suggest that people with low health literacy are more likely to visit the ED and return within 14 days, costing $1,292 for the individual and $3,614 for the employer. In contrast, the average copay for a routine visit to a primary care provider or specialist ranges from $26 to $44.
Using the ED for non-emergencies also impacts those who truly need it,such as the unhoused,Medicaid recipients,and those experiencing major health events. With a growing population of Medicare members visiting the ED more frequently, the system is under pressure. Employers can help by educating employees who have othre options.
Employers can drive change by educating employees on when to use the ED and how to maximize their benefits. This includes guiding Gen Z employees navigating health insurance for the first time and reminding Baby Boomers how to manage chronic conditions.
Proactive employer communication can help employees use their healthcare benefits wisely by:
- Encouraging a care quarterback: Ensuring employees have a primary care provider for annual screenings, blood tests, and prescription guidance.
- Educating about alternatives: Making sure employees understand how to use urgent care centers and telehealth benefits.
- Embracing online resources: Providing access to online resources like PCP search tools and cost estimators.
Jacques concludes that using the ED for non-emergencies is costly and strains the system. Employers who bridge knowledge gaps and educate employees can foster a healthier workforce and reduce ED strain, promoting affordable, lifelong health.
Ekspansio, Getty Images
What’s next
Employers should continue to prioritize healthcare literacy initiatives and adapt their communication strategies to meet the evolving needs of their diverse workforce, ensuring that all employees have the knowledge and resources to make informed healthcare decisions.