Flat lay of medical tools including a stethoscope, blood pressure monitor, thermometer, gloves, and pill organizer, symbolizing preventive healthcare and routine screenings.

Preventive Care That Pays Off: 6 Screenings to Add to Your Benefits

September 24, 20253 min read

You know what’s more expensive than healthcare? Not using it—until it’s too late.

“The best health benefit is the one that prevents the claim.”

Still, too many companies still treat it like an optional add-on, when in reality, it’s one of the most powerful tools for cost control, employee retention, and saving lives.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says chronic diseases and mental health conditions account for nearly 90% of U.S. healthcare spending. A lot of that could be avoided with better preventive care and early detection.

If you're managing employee benefits, these six preventive tests should absolutely be part of your plan.

1. Annual Checkups (Physical Exams)

This is the one thing everyone should be doing—and it’s often the one they skip.
A yearly checkup can catch:

  • High blood pressure

  • Early signs of diabetes

  • Mental health concerns

  • Other silent health issues

“The greatest medicine of all is teaching people how not to need it.” –Hippocrates

Encouraging checkups helps your employees stay healthy—and helps your company avoid bigger claims later.

An older man receiving a routine physical exam as a female doctor uses a stethoscope to check his heart. Highlights the importance of annual preventive checkups for early detection and overall health.
2. Cholesterol & Heart Health Screenings

Heart disease is still the leading cause of deathin the U.S.
The scary part? Many people have no symptoms until it’s serious.

With simple blood tests, you can catch:

  • High LDL cholesterol

  • Hypertension

  • Early signs of heart disease

According to a study in Health Affairs, employers can save $3.27 for every $1 spent on wellness programs when cardiovascular health is addressed.

A healthcare provider points to a model of a human heart during a consultation with a patient. Represents cholesterol testing, cardiovascular screenings, and heart disease prevention.
3. Cancer Screenings

Cancers like breast, colon, and cervical cancer are very treatable when caught early. That’s why screenings matter.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends:

  • Mammograms every other year starting at age 40 (Source: USPSTF)

  • Pap smears every 3 years (Source: USPSTF)

  • Colonoscopies starting at 45 (Source: USPSTF)

Early detection increases survival rates to over 90% for many cancers. Skipping screenings? That’s a risk you can’t afford—for your people or your budget.

A woman in a medical gown undergoes a breast cancer screening using advanced imaging technology, while a radiologist reviews the mammogram on a monitor. Promotes early cancer detection through preventive screenings.
4. Vision Screenings

Poor vision affects:

  • Concentration

  • Accuracy

  • Workplace safety

And annual eye exams can uncover more than just vision issues—they can also detect diabetes, high blood pressure, and neurological problems. Offering routine screenings supports both health and productivity.

An optometrist performs an eye test using digital equipment on a senior patient in a clinic. Emphasizes the role of routine vision screenings in maintaining eye health and detecting early issues.
5. Dental Screenings (Cleanings & Exams)

Oral health is directly linked to heart health, diabetes, and more.
Infections in the mouth can lead to:

  • Costly ER visits

  • Systemic illness

  • Missed workdays

Including dental screenings and cleanings in your plan helps prevent small issues from turning into costly medical events.

A smiling young woman in a dental chair interacts with her dentist during a preventive dental exam. Highlights the importance of regular cleanings and oral health checkups.
6. Mental Health Screenings

This one’s more important than ever.

According to Harvard Business Review, depression alone leads to 200 million lost workdays each year, costing employers up to $44 billion annually.

By offering easy access to:

  • Stress check-ins

  • Teletherapy

  • Mental health screening tools

You build a culture that values emotional wellness, not just physical health.

A young woman in a mental health consultation with a therapist holding a digital tablet, discussing screening results. The setting is a calm, plant-filled office. Represents the importance of mental health screenings in preventive care benefits.

Make Prevention a Priority

Preventive care doesn’t just protect people—it protects your budget and your culture.

When employees know they can catch issues early, they’re more likely to use their benefits, stay healthy, and stick around longer.

At 125 Managed Health, we help brokers and businesses design affordable, high-impact preventive care programs that employees actually use.


Start building smarter, more affordable benefits with 125 Managed Health today. Book a free consult here.

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