Employee medication support in the US: combining EAPs with alternative funding programs

In today's companies, employee health and well-being are cornerstones of business success. In the US, Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) and Alternative Funding Programs (AFPs) give employers an innovative way to help employees and their families obtain medication support beyond what insurance covers. By combining multiple resources and funding channels, these programs deliver timely, effective medical support and fulfill the corporate sustainability and health responsibilities of the SDGs.

Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)

An EAP is an employer-sponsored program designed to provide comprehensive health and well-being support to employees and their family members. EAPs typically include the following services:

Mental health support: counseling, stress management, smoking (and substance) cessation treatment, and more.
Career development support: career counseling, vocational training, and more.
Legal and financial counseling: advice on legal matters and financial management.
Health and wellness services: health checkups, nutrition guidance, and more.

The main purpose of an EAP is to help employees resolve personal and professional issues, thereby improving productivity and quality of life.

Alternative Funding Programs (AFPs)

AFPs are a fast-growing type of program in the US that provides funding for specific medical needs, usually administered by a third party, to help employees obtain drugs and treatments not covered by traditional health insurance. AFPs operate through:

Patient assistance programs: programs run by pharmaceutical companies that provide free or discounted medications to patients in financial hardship.
Medical loans: low- or zero-interest loans that help patients cover high medical costs.
Fundraising and donations: funding for patients who need specific treatments, raised through fundraising campaigns or charitable giving.

Combining EAP and AFP under the SDG framework

Combining an EAP with an AFP gives companies and employees a complete health support system. Here is how this combined model works in practice:

Comprehensive health assessment
The EAP first conducts a full health and well-being assessment for employees, identifying medical needs — especially those outside traditional insurance coverage. This assessment informs a personalized health plan.
Customized treatment plans
Based on the assessment, the EAP works with the AFP to build customized treatment plans for employees who need special drugs and therapies. These plans include:
Drug access: obtaining free or low-cost medications through patient assistance programs and partnerships with pharmaceutical companies.
Funding support: providing the necessary funds through medical loans, fundraising campaigns, and charitable donations.
Ongoing monitoring and support
The EAP provides continuous health monitoring and psychological support to safeguard employees' physical and mental well-being throughout treatment, while the AFP manages the use and allocation of funds to ensure they are deployed effectively.
Outcome evaluation and feedback
Treatment outcomes and program execution are evaluated regularly, employee feedback is collected, and plans are adjusted as needed to ensure employees receive the best possible health support.

─ Sean Chang, General Manager, PatientsForce Media-WIND Health Group (MWHG)