Telehealth in Employer Plans: Promise vs. Reality
For my capstone in RMI 4596: Advanced Topics in Managing Human Capital Risk, I completed a ten-page research thesis analyzing the effectiveness of telehealth within employer-sponsored health plans. The project, supervised by Dr. James Hilliard, evaluated how telehealth has evolved, its cost-effectiveness, and its long-term sustainability as a benefits strategy. I examined quantitative and qualitative research on employer ROI, employee cost savings, and utilization patterns across different demographic groups.
The report also explored chronic condition management outcomes, barriers faced by rural and elderly populations, and public policy changes following the COVID-19 surge in telehealth use. In addition, I addressed ethical and operational concerns such as digital access disparities and risks associated with virtual prescribing. The project concludes with recommendations for improving equitable telehealth adoption and strengthening its role in employee well-being.
Through this research, I gained deeper insight into employee benefits design, health economics, population health management, and the impact of emerging technologies on employer-sponsored healthcare.