New Findings from Maven Clinic Highlight Increasing Demand for Family Health Benefits

Rising Demand for Family Health Benefits

Maven Clinic, the leading virtual clinic focusing on women's and family health, has unveiled its fourth annual report, shedding light on the growing necessity for fertility and family health benefits. This report is based on extensive research conducted with 1,569 HR leaders and 3,752 full-time employees in the U.S., U.K., and India. The findings indicate that employers are increasingly acknowledging the challenges that employees face in family building and are seeking ways to enhance their benefits strategies effectively.

Increased Financial Burden

The report highlights that the costs associated with family building have escalated dramatically over the past decade. The financial burden of raising a child has surged by 9% since 2017, with childcare expenses consuming nearly 20% of the average household income. Health insurance premiums for families have also seen a significant rise, increasing by 7% in 2024 and surpassing $25,000 annually per family. This continuous increase in costs is a pressing concern for employers, with 70% reporting that their organization's fertility expenditures have risen in the last three years. Alarmingly, nearly a third of employees seeking fertility treatments have taken on debt to manage these healthcare costs.

Addressing Parental Burnout

Parental burnout is another critical issue brought to light in the report, with 92% of working parents feeling overwhelmed by balancing work and family responsibilities. This elevated stress level has led to 24% of employees in unsupportive organizations taking extended leaves or breaks from their careers. In contrast, organizations that offer robust support for parents witness a substantial 84% of employees returning to work after parental leave.

Talent Retention Concerns

The inadequacy of family building support has emerged as a significant factor in employee retention. A staggering 69% of employees have either contemplated or taken a new job in search of better reproductive and family health benefits. Recognizing this trend, 85% of employers regard these benefits as vital for retaining talent and are keen to increase their offerings in the next few years, anticipating a 44% growth in family health benefits vendors.

Reproductive Health Awareness

Following recent political changes, reproductive health anxiety has intensified, with 47% of U.S. employees expecting or considering parenthood voicing heightened concerns regarding their health. The demand for comprehensive reproductive health services has surged, with 52% of employees urging their employers to advocate for continuous access to these essential services. In response, nearly half of the employers surveyed plan to broaden fertility coverage to improve accessibility and support.

Men’s Health Needs

The report also draws attention to men’s reproductive health needs, revealing that 84% of men feel that their reproductive health needs are overlooked, while 83% are unaware of where to seek male-specific support. While 71% of employers understand the importance of providing inclusive benefits, nearly half admit that current offerings are not meeting these needs. A positive shift appears to be on the horizon, with 53% of employers planning to enhance benefits focused on men's midlife health and 65% increasing access to reproductive health counseling.

Conclusion

Maven Clinic serves over 2,000 employers and health plans globally, offering extensive support for employees looking to start or expand their families. By delivering clinical, emotional, and financial assistance, Maven aims to improve health outcomes for employees while also reducing costs for employers. The growing emphasis on family health benefits highlights a shift in workplace culture, where support for reproductive and family health is becoming increasingly crucial to attracting and retaining talent in today's competitive market.

For more insights and to view the complete report, visit Maven Clinic’s official website.

About Maven Clinic

Maven Clinic stands at the forefront of women's and family health, striving to make healthcare more accessible and efficient. Their award-winning digital programs encompass a broad spectrum of services, including fertility, maternity care, pediatric support, and midlife health, helping over 2,000 employers improve healthcare outcomes and equity in benefits.