In addition to encouraging consistent check-ups and participation in a workplace's wellness programs, help make employees aware that many supplemental insurance policies include a wellness benefit for receiving preventative care. The benefit can assist with the cost of health screenings, diagnostic testing such as prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and genetic testing, which may be recommended to men who have had numerous family members diagnosed with the same type of cancer.
2. Trim your financial risks.
When meeting with employees, reiterate that health insurance may not cover all out-of-pocket expenses related to an illness or injury. A study from the Federal Reserve found that about 40% of American households have unpaid debt from unexpected medical bills incurred within the last year. Additionally, four in 10 American adults would not be able to cover an unexpected $400 expense with cash, savings or a credit card charge that could be quickly paid off.
Beyond medical bills, a health emergency such as a cancer diagnosis may result in employees missing work, which can cause additional financial strain. Short-term disability insurance can help as a financial safety net to replace income lost when a policyholder is unable to work, helping him or her focus on recovery.
3. Get help with hair-raising out-of-pocket costs.
Unfortunately, medical surprises do not discriminate — they happen among people of all ages and backgrounds. Among men, prostate cancer remains the second most common cancer in the United States, while testicular cancer is the most common cancer in young men aged 15-34 years. While we cannot prevent such diseases, we can better prepare for them.
Consider highlighting how cancer and critical illness insurance can pay cash benefits directly to the policyholder, unless otherwise assigned, in the event of a diagnosis. These funds can help cover expenses health insurance doesn't cover, such as copayments and deductibles, daily living expenses like the mortgage or rent payments, child care costs or groceries.
During November men's health awareness activities — and all year — brokers and agents can help clients shave away some of the anxieties associated with men's health issues by discussing the ways benefits offerings assist in the event of a diagnosis. Employees will be glad to know help really can be found right under their nose — mustached or not.
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Rich Williams is executive vice president and chief distribution officer at Aflac.
(Credit: Library of Congress) 
