As the age-old saying goes, health is wealth. Employees who enjoy Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) coverage in their companies are fortunate, as not all organizations provide this benefit. It is often considered an added perk when Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) coverage is provided, as it goes beyond salary and bonuses to safeguard employee well-being. At John Clements, iCare HMO has been selected as the provider, and an orientation was recently conducted by Mr. Efberg Gener from the Account Management Group of iCare.
iCare HMO’s Growth and Reach
Founded in 1991, iCare has been serving Filipinos for 35 years. Their growth has been remarkable, especially from 2018 to the present, expanding coverage from 35,000 lives to 1.4 million. This expansion reflects their commitment to making healthcare more accessible nationwide.
As one of the beneficiaries of iCare HMO, I can personally attest to the convenience of their services. My favorite feature is Telemed7, which allows access to a doctor within seven minutes through my phone. I recall an incident when I unknowingly triggered an allergy to ibuprofen after taking Alaxan for a fever. My eyelids swelled, and I was alarmed. Thankfully, Telemed7 connected me to a physician who prescribed the right medication, and my allergy subsided. That experience highlighted how crucial accessible healthcare is in urgent situations.
For more on healthcare access in the Philippines, visit: https://www.doh.gov.ph
People-Enabled Customer Experience
Beyond telemedicine, iCare HMO emphasizes a “People-enabled Customer Experience” through several key services:
- 24/7 Contact Center – available to support member inquiries anytime.
- Hospital Liaison Officers – assisting members during hospital confinements.
- Account Management Team – ensuring benefits and coverages are properly applied.
- Nationwide Network – connecting members to accredited doctors, hospitals, and clinics.
- iCare Mobile App – simplifying LOA issuance and helping locate nearby accredited facilities.
iCare also maintains 157 super preferred clinics, including Healthway Qualimed, Hi-Precision Diagnostics, and The Medical City Satellite Clinic. These clinics provide routine checkups and non-emergency consultations, ensuring members have reliable access to preventive care.
Specialized Benefits and Programs
During the orientation, the discussion on animal bites was particularly appreciated. Having experienced a dog bite myself, I know how stressful it can be when anti-rabies shots are required. It was clarified that not all cases should be directed to emergency room visits, which are reserved for life-threatening conditions. Instead, outpatient care is often recommended, allowing time and resources to be saved.
Dental benefits are also part of iCare HMO’s offerings, provided through Reliant Health (RHMAC). Members can book appointments without needing a Letter of Authorization (LOA), making dental care more accessible.
Equally important is their Employee Assistance Program (EAP) in partnership with Telus Health, which provides 24/7 mental health support. In today’s demanding work environment, mental health services are no longer optional—they are essential. Through the Telus Health One App, members can even take the Total Wellbeing Index (TWI) to assess their mental, physical, social, and financial health, fostering greater self-awareness.
A Commitment to Employee Well-being
Reflecting on these benefits, I realize how valuable it is to be reminded of the healthcare support available through iCare HMO. It is easy to overlook these perks until a crisis arises but knowing that such comprehensive services are within reach gives employees peace of mind.
Ultimately, HMO coverage is more than just a corporate perk—it is a strategic investment in employee well-being and productivity. When employees feel secure about their health, they are more engaged, motivated, and resilient in the workplace. iCare’s wide range of services, from telemedicine and dental care to mental health support, demonstrates how healthcare providers can adapt to the evolving needs of modern professionals.
Say Yes to Better Health
At John Clements, having iCare as our partner underscores the company’s commitment to prioritizing employee welfare. For me, the orientation was not just a reminder of the benefits I can avail, but also a reassurance that my health is valued. In a world where the workforce faces constant challenges, knowing that there is a reliable safety net makes all the difference.
As the saying goes, health is wealth—and with iCare’s guiding promise of “Yes to Better Health,” employees are empowered to protect that wealth, ensuring they can thrive both personally and professionally.
For more meaningful articles and employee‑centric insights, visit John Clements LookingGlass.
