Healthcare cash plans 2: results of IRS survey - Around two million employees make payroll contributions to healthcare cash plans. Although thousands of firms participate in cash plans, little is known about the HR advantages for participating employers. The schemes provide cash refunds towards the cost of everyday healthcare - eg dental and optical treatment, physiotherapy, maternity grants, and payments for the incidental costs around hospital treatment. IRS's study of healthcare benefits draws on information from 35 participating organisations, with an aggregate workforce of around 112,000 people, or one in 20 employees subscribing nationwide. Findings cover take-up rates, discounts, the main providers, facilities offered, named case examples and strategic HR issues. These include encouraging employees to be proactive about their healthcare needs, and supporting sickness absence policies.