Beyond the Cost of Care: Board Oversight of Healthcare Benefits, Workforce Strategy and Long-Term Value

Healthcare benefits are a significant workforce investment, with implications that extend well beyond cost. During this NACD New Jersey virtual program, directors explored the board's role in overseeing healthcare costs and benefits as a strategic driver of workforce performance and long-term value creation. The discussion examined the factors influencing rising healthcare costs, emerging value-based benefit strategies, and the growing importance of mental health, health equity, and transparency.

Panelists also shared practical guidance on the information boards should receive to assess workforce health and resilience, along with the questions directors should ask while maintaining the appropriate distinction between board oversight and management responsibility. Participants left with actionable governance insights for connecting healthcare investment to human capital strategy, enterprise risk oversight, and sustainable organizational growth.