January marks Cervical Health Awareness Month, a timely reminder of the importance of proactive women’s health care. While many workplaces emphasize traditional screenings, such as the Pap smear, there’s a growing recognition of the need for more comprehensive women’s health benefits.
Employers have a unique opportunity to lead this charge by expanding reproductive wellness coverage to include fertility preservation, early screenings and family-forming services.
The Overlooked Connection: Reproductive Wellness and Women’s Health
When we think of cervical health, we often focus on preventing cervical cancer through regular Pap tests and HPV vaccinations. However, the conversation shouldn’t stop there. Cervical health is deeply tied to overall reproductive wellness. Conditions like endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and cervical insufficiency can directly impact fertility. Addressing these conditions early can improve health outcomes and empower women to make informed choices about their family-building journeys.
Unfortunately, many health benefit plans stop short of offering robust coverage for the full spectrum of reproductive care, leaving gaps in support for women navigating fertility preservation or treatment.
Expanding Access to Cervical Cancer Screening
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force now recommends self-collected HPV test samples for women aged 30 to 65, offering a convenient alternative to traditional screenings. Studies show self-collection in healthcare settings, like mobile clinics or medical offices, is as accurate as doctor-collected samples. This option provides a more comfortable and accessible solution for many, particularly those in underserved populations, such as rural areas or marginalized communities. While currently limited to healthcare settings, at-home testing could soon become a reality, following successful adoption in countries like Australia and Sweden.
Why Employers Should Step Up
Expanding women’s health benefits is not just the right thing to do—it’s a smart business decision. Here’s why:
- Healthier Employees, Higher Productivity
Employees who feel supported in their health journeys are more likely to remain engaged and productive. Women managing reproductive health challenges without adequate care often face higher stress levels, absenteeism and reduced focus at work. - Retention and Recruitment
In today’s competitive job market, offering inclusive, comprehensive family-forming benefits can set your organization apart. Providing support for fertility preservation, genetic testing and early cervical screenings demonstrates a commitment to the well-being of your workforce. - Cost Savings with Evidence-Based Care
ARC Fertility’s employer benefits program is designed to reduce costs while improving outcomes. By focusing on evidence-based care and eliminating inefficiencies, employers can avoid unnecessary treatments and high downstream expenses, such as NICU stays for high-risk pregnancies.
How ARC Fertility Leads the Way
ARC Fertility is a pioneer in creating inclusive, affordable and comprehensive family-forming benefits for employers. ARC Fertility offers solutions that integrate early reproductive health care into a broader framework of women’s wellness. ARC’s programs include:
- Fertility Preservation: Egg freezing and embryo banking empower women to plan for their future while managing their current health needs.
- Cervical and Reproductive Health: Access to preconception testing, genetic screening and evidence-based treatments for conditions like endometriosis and cervical insufficiency.
- Personalized Support: Care Navigators guide employees through their unique journeys, offering emotional support and education on treatment options.
- Flexibility and Affordability: ARC’s unique “no PEPM” model allows employers to subsidize benefits without incurring fixed monthly costs. This ensures that services are accessible to those who need them, without unnecessary expense.
Taking a Stand for Comprehensive Care
By embracing expanded reproductive wellness benefits, employers can play a vital role in advancing women’s health. Beyond the Pap smear, comprehensive care ensures early detection, timely treatment and proactive family planning.
ARC Fertility’s mission is clear: to provide high-quality care at the lowest possible cost, with flexible programs that meet the diverse needs of today’s workforce. This Cervical Health Awareness Month, we encourage employers to rethink their approach to women’s health benefits and take actionable steps toward building a healthier, more inclusive workplace.
Contact ARC Fertility to learn more about integrating comprehensive women’s health benefits into your organization. Together, we can make a difference—one employee, one family, one future at a time.
