Enhancing Healthcare Delivery: The Impact of Administrative Services Only (ASO) Models on Self-Insured Employers

Abstract

Self-insured employer health care models have been popular in the recent past due to their ability to let organizations take center stage in controlling health care costs and benefits. Additionally, the self-insurance model allows employers to bear the financial risk associated with healthcare coverage, thus giving them immense flexibility in terms of structuring plans to meet the needs of their employees while averting high premiums related to fully insured plans. However, claims management, ensuring regulatory compliance, and operationally being cost-effective sometimes become tough for employers devoid of robust administrative infrastructures. In this regard, Administrative Services Only (ASO) models have provided much support to such employers via the outsourcing of administrative services. Advanced claims processing, improved data analytics, and management of provider networks are some other areas wherein ASOs continue to smoothen their operations with a guarantee for rapidly changing regulations. The paper reviews the roles and diverse impacts of ASO models in enhancing health care delivery for self-insured employers while assessing their operations, financial benefits, inherent challenges, and future potential within a rapidly changing healthcare ecosystem.