Why Preventive Care Pays Off: Reducing Q4 Healthcare Claims Before They Happen

As the year draws to a close, many employers see a familiar trend: a surge in healthcare claims. Employees rush to use remaining benefits, schedule overdue appointments, or manage conditions that have gone unchecked throughout the year. For businesses, this “Q4 claims crunch” often means unexpected cost spikes, higher renewal rates, and frustrated employees.

The best way to break the cycle is to prioritize preventive care all year long. When employees have easy, no-cost access to screenings, annual checkups, and virtual care, they’re far less likely to delay care until the last quarter. At Health Compass Inc., we help employers use proactive strategies and modern solutions like Vital110 to keep claims predictable, costs manageable, and employees healthier.

The Problem with Q4 Claims Spikes

Healthcare utilization is not evenly spread throughout the year. Employers often see a disproportionate number of claims in the final months, driven by factors such as:

• Unused benefits: Employees rush to use what they’ve already paid for through premiums or contributions.
• Delayed care: High deductibles discourage employees from seeking care earlier in the year, but once deductibles are met, utilization spikes.
• End-of-year deadlines: Many health plans reset in January, prompting employees to schedule screenings or procedures before coverage resets.
• Seasonal illness: Cold and flu season collides with end-of-year stress, increasing urgent care and ER visits.

The result? Q4 becomes one of the most expensive times of the year for both employers and employees, driving up renewals and straining budgets.

How Preventive Care Changes the Equation

Preventive care is the single most effective way to reduce costly, last-minute claims. By catching issues early, encouraging healthier habits, and making care accessible, businesses save money and employees avoid unnecessary stress. Benefits include:

• Early detection: Routine screenings catch high blood pressure, diabetes, or cholesterol issues before they escalate into costly hospitalizations.
• Lower claims costs: Preventing chronic conditions saves thousands per employee annually.
• Employee engagement: Teams that feel supported in their health are more loyal and productive.
• Predictable spending: Regular care spreads utilization throughout the year instead of concentrating costs in Q4.

Vital110: Preventive Care Made Simple

Through Vital110, employees gain direct access to preventive services at no cost. This reduces the barriers that typically keep employees from staying proactive. Features include:

• Unlimited virtual primary and urgent care at $0 cost to employees
• No-cost annual labs and screenings to identify health risks early
• Confidential mental health support with no waiting periods
• Health assessments and personalized care navigation
• No-cost generic medications for common conditions

By removing the financial burden, Vital110 encourages employees to schedule checkups, screenings, and consultations earlier in the year. This spreads utilization more evenly and prevents the Q4 claims surge that strains budgets.

Case Example: Reducing Q4 Claims

A 175-employee marketing firm partnered with Health Compass Inc. after facing consecutive years of Q4 cost spikes. By adding Vital110, employees began using virtual visits, annual labs, and preventive screenings earlier in the year. Within one cycle, ER visits dropped by 22%, chronic conditions were identified sooner, and overall claim costs were reduced by $95,000. Instead of a stressful Q4, the company ended the year with stability and higher employee satisfaction.

How to Encourage Preventive Care Today

Employers can drive participation in preventive care by following a few key steps:

1. Educate employees: Clearly explain what preventive services are available and why they matter.
2. Remove barriers: Cover preventive services at no cost and make access as simple as possible.
3. Promote virtual care: Emphasize the convenience of virtual appointments for routine check-ins.
4. Use reminders: Send targeted communication in September encouraging employees to schedule checkups before Q4.
5. Celebrate participation: Recognize employees or teams that complete preventive steps to build culture around wellness.

The Business Case for Prevention

For every dollar invested in preventive care, businesses can save up to three dollars in healthcare costs. But the ROI extends beyond dollars. Preventive care reduces absenteeism, lowers stress, and boosts productivity. It also strengthens retention by showing employees their employer cares about their long-term well-being—not just when they’re sick.

Final Thoughts

The rising cost of healthcare makes prevention more important than ever. Employers who ignore preventive care risk facing a flood of expensive Q4 claims, while those who invest in proactive solutions stabilize costs and build healthier, more engaged teams.

Take action today. Partner with Health Compass Inc. to implement solutions like Vital110 that make preventive care accessible, affordable, and effective—reducing Q4 claims before they ever happen.