Small businesses trying to make a name for themselves usually don’t have excess funds to pay for their employees’ health insurance. However, being on a budget doesn’t mean you can’t offer healthcare incentives to employees. There are many ways you can help your employees afford quality healthcare and stay as healthy as possible. Read on to learn some of the best ways to help your employees cut the cost of health insurance.

Look for Cost-Cutting Services

No matter how you look at it, healthcare is expensive. As an employer, it’s important to find ways to cut costs while providing employees with adequate coverage. Nurse advice lines are growing in popularity because allow consumers to get advice from a healthcare professional on the phone, enabling providers to cut the costs associated with in-office visits. You can also offer wellness days at work where your employees can receive basic tests for some of the most common health conditions.

Make Healthcare Savings Accounts Available

Healthcare savings accounts (HSA) are tax-exempt accounts that smaller business owners can offer to their employees. This type of account may lower your overall cost of health insurance as well as give your employees a tax break. However, you must have a high-deductible insurance plan in order to qualify for a HSA. Both withdrawals and contributions are tax-free for employees. Your contributions are also tax-deductible but aren’t necessarily required. In addition, there are certain stipulations for having an HSA, so make sure that you provide employees with detailed information to aid in their decision-making process.

Keep Your Employees Healthy

Keeping your employees healthy is the best way to cut costs overall. Look into ways you can include gym memberships or discounts where you can offer free preventive screenings such as blood pressure readings and glucose monitoring. If possible, you can encourage healthy eating by having fresh fruits and vegetables in the office. The most important thing is making sure your employees are happy and healthy. Fewer sick days means a higher rate of productivity and less employee turnover.

In a world where healthcare can cost thousands of dollars each year, helping employees stay healthy should be your focus. And even though it may cost you a little more out of pocket, it’ll pay off in the end. Healthy employees are happy employees, and when employees are happy, they’re eager to go above and beyond their regular scope of duties.