In modern businesses, the health and well-being of employees is an important cornerstone of a company’s success. The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Alternative Funding Program (AFP) in the U.S. provide an innovative way for companies to help employees or their families access drug support beyond insurance. These programs combine multiple resources and funding sources to provide timely and effective medical support to employees, and achieve the SDGs’ sustainable health responsibility.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
The EAP is an employer-provided program designed to provide comprehensive health and well-being support to employees and their family members. EAPs typically include the following services:
- Mental health support: including psychological counseling, stress management, smoking cessation (drug) therapy, etc.
- Career development support: career counseling, vocational training, etc.
- Legal & Financial Advisory: Advice on legal issues and financial management advice.
- Health and welfare services: including health check-ups, nutritional guidance, etc.
The main purpose of the EAP is to help employees solve personal and professional problems, thereby improving productivity and quality of life.
Optional Funding Program (AFP)
AFP is a program that has flourished in the U.S. in recent years to fund specific medical needs, often administered by a third party, to help employees access medications and treatments that are not covered by traditional health insurance. How AFP works includes:
- Patient Assistance Program: A program offered by pharmaceutical companies that provides free or discounted medications to patients who are financially challenged.
- Medical loans: Low- or no-interest loans are available to help patients pay for high medical bills.
- Donations and Donations: Provide financial support to patients in need of specific treatment through fundraising campaigns or charitable donations.
SDG concept of EAP combined with AFP
Combining EAP with AFP can provide a complete health support system for businesses and employees. Here’s what this combination model looks like and how it works:
- Comprehensive health assessment
The EAP begins by conducting a comprehensive health and well-being assessment for employees, identifying their medical needs, particularly those that are not covered by traditional insurance. This assessment helps to develop a personalized health plan. - Customized treatment plan
Based on the results of the health assessment, EAP works with AFP to develop a customized treatment plan for employees who require specific medications and treatments. These programs include:
Access to medicines: Access to free or low-cost medicines through patient assistance programs and partnerships with pharmaceutical companies.
Financial support: Provide necessary financial support through medical loans, fundraisers, and charitable donations. - Ongoing monitoring and support
EAP provides ongoing health monitoring and psychological support to ensure the physical and mental well-being of employees during the treatment process. At the same time, AFP manages the use and allocation of funds to ensure that funds can be used efficiently. - Effect evaluation and feedback
Regularly evaluate treatment effectiveness and program performance, collect feedback from staff, and make adjustments to the plan as needed to ensure staff receive optimal health support.
─ Sean Zhang, General Manager of PatientsForce Harvest Health Integration Group
