Better care, better value for Big Lots associates

MARK FISHER :: Director, benefits and human resources information systems at Big Lots, Columbus, Ohio

Big Lots is the nation’s largest broadline closeout retailer, with more than 38,000 employees, $4 billion in annual revenue, and more than 1,350 stores in 47 states. When the company began searching for a new benefits provider in 2006, it conducted an exhaustive survey of the nation’s largest insurers.

Early in 2007, Big Lots chose Anthem National Accounts to provide its medical, dental and pharmacy benefits, along with comprehensive disease management and other specialty benefits packages.

“One of the things that really stood out was Anthem’s customer service approach,” said Mark Fisher, the director of benefits and human resources information systems at Big Lots.

“Another big advantage was the level and breadth of service Anthem offers. We saw an immense value in consolidating all our benefits with one company. Finally, Anthem’s discounts were the best we had seen, though this was not just a discount-driven decision.”

Over the past year with Anthem, Big Lots has seen a dramatic increase, from 75 percent to 99 percent, in the number of associates who choose in-network physicians and health care facilities. As a result, Big Lots has been able to lower health care costs across the company.

“Anthem’s network is extremely large, and this is important for our associates,” said Fisher. “It’s easy for them to go anywhere in the country and find a doctor, hospital, or pharmacy that’s in the network. That’s extremely important for them, because it helps them save money, and it gets them the quality of care they’re looking for.”

 

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