pLOG

2024-07-29

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Alternative Funding Program (AFP) Combined in the U.S.

In modern businesses, employee health and well-being are crucial to company success. In the U.S., Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) and Alternative Funding Programs (AFPs) offer innovative ways to help employees or their families obtain medication support beyond insurance coverage. These programs combine various resources and funding channels to provide timely and effective medical support, achieving corporate health responsibility for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

An EAP is a program provided by employers to offer comprehensive health and wellness support to employees and their family members. EAPs typically include the following services:

  • Mental Health Support: Including counseling, stress management, smoking (or substance) cessation treatment, etc.
  • Career Development Support: Career counseling, career training, etc.
  • Legal and Financial Counseling: Providing consultation services for legal issues and financial management advice.
  • Health and Wellness Services: Including health screenings, nutritional guidance, etc.

The primary goal of an EAP is to help employees address personal and professional issues, thereby improving work efficiency and quality of life.

Alternative Funding Program (AFP)

AFP is a program that has become popular in the United States in recent years, designed to provide financial support for specific medical needs. It is typically managed by third parties and aims to help employees obtain medications and treatments not covered by traditional health insurance. The operation of AFP includes:

  • Patient Assistance Programs: Programs provided by pharmaceutical companies to offer free or discounted medications to economically disadvantaged patients.
  • Medical Loans: Offering low-interest or interest-free loans to help patients cover high medical costs.
  • Fundraising and Donations: Providing financial support for patients needing specific treatments through fundraising events or charitable donations.

SDG Concept of Combining EAP and AFP

Combining EAP and AFP provides a comprehensive health support system for both businesses and employees. The specific content and business operation of this integrated model include:

  1. Comprehensive Health Assessment EAP conducts a thorough health and wellness assessment for employees to identify medical needs, especially those not covered by traditional insurance. This assessment helps in creating personalized health plans.

    2. Customized Treatment Plans Based on the health assessment results, EAP collaborates with AFP to develop customized treatment plans for employees needing special medications and treatments. These plans include:

  • Medication Access: Obtaining free or low-cost medications through patient assistance programs and pharmaceutical company partnerships.
  • Financial Support: Providing necessary financial support through medical loans, fundraising activities, and charitable donations.

    3. Ongoing Monitoring and Support EAP offers continuous health monitoring and psychological support to ensure employees' well-being during treatment. Meanwhile, AFP manages the use and allocation of funds to ensure effective utilization.

    4. Effectiveness Evaluation and Feedback Regular evaluation of treatment effectiveness and program implementation is conducted, collecting employee feedback and adjusting plans as needed to ensure optimal health support.

 

─ PatientsForce Chairman and President, Sean Chang