Autoimmune disease support might be the next big benefit in healthcare

Employers know their healthcare costs take a huge hit from their employees who suffer from chronic conditions. But are they doing anything to mitigate it? 

Maven Clinic, the world's largest virtual clinic for women and family health is now offering autoimmune disease support as an employee benefit through its partnership with WellTheory, a platform dedicated to helping patients reduce their symptoms. As many as 50 million Americans have one of 100 different autoimmune diseases, and 80% of those affected are women,  according to a Stanford Medicine-led study. Autoimmune diseases, all defined by an individual's immune system attacking its own tissues, often go misdiagnosed or dismissed — something both the CEO of Maven and the CEO of WellTheory are determined to change. 

"We really bonded over the fact that we are trying to care for populations that have been historically underserved and overlooked," says Ellen Rudolph, co-founder and CEO of WellTheory. "Autoimmune disease disproportionately impacts women and people of color, and we're taking a similar path to [Maven] by partnering with employers to offer zero-cost-to-consumer care." 

Read more: Why autoimmune disease visibility in the workplace matters

WellTheory's platform provides users with an in-depth assessment of their symptoms as well as a care team of specialists who can help reduce said symptoms through nutrition, sleep hygiene, stress management and movement. Users also receive access to live one-on-one video sessions twice a month with their care team and unlimited messaging so patients can bring up questions and concerns as they pop up.

"Our focus is really on bridging the gaps in between doctor's visits to drive these long-term health outcomes," says Rudolph. "These conditions unfortunately don't have cures, so many people are managing this over a lifetime."

While WellTheory can't diagnose the user, the platform can make referrals. Rudolph, who was left bedridden by her autoimmune condition at 25 years old, knows firsthand just how frustrating the journey to a diagnosis can be. While lifestyle changes have helped her manage it, she has never gotten a clear answer on what's wrong, and she wishes she had more guidance rather than constant dismissal from doctors about her symptoms. 

Read more: 3 ways to help employees catch cancer sooner

Rudolph underlines that autoimmune diseases aren't as rare as some may think, and in fact, in the last few decades alone, the rate of autoimmune cases in adolescents has tripled, according to the National Institute of Health. 

"Some of this is related to the different triggers that we know can exist, like environmental toxins, the Western diet and viral infections causing something like long COVID, which is now considered an autoimmune disorder," she says. "The pandemic has definitely brought more attention to these invisible illnesses because so many people are experiencing long COVID."

Read more: 20% of women die from heart disease. Employer benefits and intervention can lead to change

Rudolph advises employers to at least question their health plan partners, their carriers and PBMs about whether their care is comprehensive enough to empower employees to see the web of specialists they'll need to get some answers. Equally important, Rudolph asks that company leaders rethink their managerial style: Are they encouraging employees to take time off for their health? Are they proponents of flexibility? Do they let employees control their work environments as much as they can?

While some companies may not feel comfortable taking the step Maven has to offer specialized support, they can still begin creating a work culture that doesn't dismiss or punish talent with chronic illnesses, says Rudolph. 

"When I was going through my diagnostic journey, I had no idea how to explain to my manager what was going on," she says. "Be really mindful of how you're approaching these conditions."