Dental, vision and skin? A look at this new health benefit

Benefit managers continue to try to solve the formula for holistic health benefits. But are they forgetting a huge part of the equation?

Skin is the largest organ in the human body, and yet it's often not a priority when it comes to preventative care. According to the Prevent Cancer Foundation, 70% of American adults have not had their skin checked for cancer in the past year, and 24% have never had their skin checked in their entire lives. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S., with one in five Americans estimated to develop the disease in their lifetime, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. 

JOYA Health, an employer-provided benefit focused on skin health and anti-aging solutions, wants to put a spotlight on this underrated organ. Under JOYA, employees receive over $1,000 in benefits, with skin cancer screenings, anti-aging treatments and care for acne and hair loss all being eligible services.

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"The dental and vision worlds do a nice job of incentivizing you to come in and get your teeth cleaned and your eyes checked," says Michael Jafar, founder of JOYA Health. "There has to be a better model to incentivize people to get a skin cancer check and ultimately save their lives."

Jafar stresses that between high deductibles and increasing out-of-pocket costs, patients likely avoid seeing a dermatologist unless there's a glaring problem on their skin. Depending on the health plan, employees may also feel unsure whether a skin cancer check with a dermatologist would be considered preventative care, and is consequently free regardless of whether they have reached their deductible. Jafar hopes this incentivizes more patients to have an ongoing relationship with a dermatologist, establishing skin health as part of their annual healthcare routine. 

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"Skin cancer is the only visible cancer that can easily be spotted early," he says. "And if you catch it early, you're saving thousands of dollars, if not people's lives."

Beyond skin cancer prevention, Jafar also wanted a benefit that acknowledged the role skin plays in people's overall sense of well-being. Notably, JOYA members have access to a free annual facial and medical-grade sunscreen. They can spend up to $500 a year on treatments like Botox, laser, peels and hair loss solutions.

"The skin is a very extrinsic facing organ," says Jafar. "It has such a profound impact on your health, mood and confidence."

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Jafar encourages benefit managers to consider whether their existing healthcare benefits motivate employees to actively care for their skin. If not, then there's a gap in their benefits — one that employees are likely noticing. According to a JOYA survey of over 600 consumers, 70% agree that skin health benefits are just as important as vision and dental benefits.

"Everybody needs to and wants to do something related to their skin," says Jafar. "Unfortunately, they don't know where to go or if they can afford it."