Why Employers Should Take a Closer Look at Their Cancer Care Benefits

Cancer touches nearly every family, yet most employer-sponsored plans are not equipped to handle it adequately.

According to the American Cancer Society, the United States is seeing an increase in cancer diagnoses, with over 2 million new cases expected this year. In the workplace, cancer leads to emotional strain, financial hardship, and long-term absenteeism—affecting not just the individual but the entire team.

Despite its prevalence, cancer care is often excluded or poorly covered in traditional group insurance policies. Take the case of Gwendolyn Jackson, a 53-year-old from Houston who was financially stable before her cervical cancer diagnosis. The combination of treatment costs and inability to work led her into tens of thousands of dollars in debt. She lost her job, home, and vehicle, illustrating how quickly cancer can devastate someone financially.

Fortunately, things are beginning to change. Forward-thinking companies are recognizing that employee-centric insurance must go beyond the basics—and that starts with comprehensive cancer care benefits.

The problem with existing health insurance

Most corporate insurance policies are designed for the “average employee,” focusing on primary care, emergencies, and basic outpatient services. Cancer, with its high costs, complex treatment paths, and need for long-term care, often falls outside the scope of traditional plans.

Employees diagnosed with cancer are frequently shocked to discover that their insurance doesn’t fully cover treatment, second opinions, or even necessary medications. This results in financial stress, delayed treatment, and decreased productivity. Employers, meanwhile, face rising costs—both direct (e.g., treatment costs, drug prices) and indirect (e.g., lost productivity, increased turnover).

Why Carrum Cancer Care is a game-changer

Carrum Health, a pioneer in value-based centers of excellence (COE), has significantly expanded its cancer care offering to include nearly all cancer types through the largest cancer-specific cancer treatment COE network in the country. The network now includes over 600 top-tier cancer treatment facilities nationwide.

Carrum Cancer Care stands out as one of the most complete solutions available, combining a robust centers of excellence (COE) network with partnerships for early screening and detection, access to expert virtual second opinions, and comprehensive support for both members and their families throughout the entire treatment journey.

This integrated approach ensures a smoother patient experience, leads to improved health outcomes, reduces the financial burden of care, and helps employers save up to 30% per episode of cancer treatment. Plus, the member pays little to nothing for their treatment.

Employee-centric insurance is the way forward

The modern workforce expects more from their health benefits. Employee-centric insurance is no longer a buzzword—it’s a necessity. It means offering care that aligns with the actual needs of employees, not just what’s cheapest to provide.

Comprehensive cancer care coverage exemplifies this shift. It’s a benefit designed not just for today, but for life’s unexpected turns. From preventive screenings to active treatment and recovery support, it puts the employee’s journey first.

Business benefits for employers

While the human impact of cancer care coverage is undeniable, the business case is just as strong. Employers who offer these benefits enjoy clear advantages:

• Reduced absenteeism and faster return-to-work: Early treatment (i.e., at an earlier stage) improves recovery time.
• Lower long-term healthcare costs: Preventive and timely care is more cost-effective than delayed interventions, and Carrum pre-negotiates lower rates (that also bear risk) with providers.
• Improved retention and morale: Employees stay longer with employers who show they truly care.
• Enhanced employer branding: In a competitive market, offering robust health benefits helps attract top talent.

​Integrating comprehensive cancer care benefits into employee health insurance plans has been associated with increased employee retention. Studies indicate that employment-based health insurance can reduce turnover by 35% to 59% for married men, 37% to 53% for married women, 18% to 33% for single men, and 35% for single women.

Cancer care coverage isn’t just about doing the right thing—it’s also about doing the smart thing for your business.

Why forward-thinking companies are making the shift

Industry leaders are realizing that health benefits are a reflection of company values. Gen Z and Millennial workers, in particular, are seeking employers who prioritize well-being, empathy, and long-term support.

Companies that proactively address real health challenges like cancer send a powerful message: “We’re invested in you, not just your output.”

Offering comprehensive, value-based cancer care benefits positions your company at the forefront of compassionate leadership and responsible innovation. It sets you apart from competitors and fosters a deeper sense of trust and loyalty among employees.

In a world where health is unpredictable, your benefits program can be a source of certainty. Cancer care coverage is more than a policy feature—it’s a commitment to protecting the people who drive your business forward.