EAP cost calculator: what an employee assistance program really costs per user
Most employee assistance programs are priced per employee per month, which hides what you pay for each person who actually uses the program. This free calculator shows both.
Estimate your annual EAP cost
Enter your eligible headcount, the monthly fee per employee and how much you expect employees to use the program.
Everyone who can use the program.
From your quote. Pricing varies by vendor and group size.
Typical use varies widely by program and how well it is promoted.
Average counseling sessions per person who uses it.
Your estimate
This calculator gives a planning estimate only. Actual EAP pricing, session limits and use depend on the vendor and your group.
How EAP pricing works
Most programs charge a flat monthly fee for each eligible employee, whether or not anyone calls. Some vendors also set a per-session fee or cap the number of sessions per issue. The monthly fee is usually small next to your medical premium, which is why an EAP is often one of the lower-cost additions to a benefits package.
Why cost per user matters
Dividing the annual fee by the people who actually use the program shows the real price of each conversation. If use is low, the program is not wrong for you, but it may need better communication. Posting the phone number, mentioning it in manager training and including it in open enrollment materials all tend to raise use.
Common questions
What does an EAP typically cover?
Programs usually include short-term counseling, work-life referrals and support lines. The exact services, session limits and who counts as eligible vary by vendor, so confirm them in the quote.
Is an EAP the same as mental health coverage in a medical plan?
No. An EAP is a separate, employer-paid program with a limited number of sessions. Your medical plan covers ongoing treatment under its own benefits and cost sharing.
Can small employers offer an EAP?
Yes. Many vendors sell EAPs to small groups, and some bundle one with other ancillary benefits. Minimum group sizes and pricing differ by vendor.
Who pays for an EAP?
The employer typically pays the full fee so the service is free to employees at the point of use. Your broker can show you options and compare vendor quotes.
Talk to us about adding an EAP
Book a 30-minute call and we will look at your workforce, your budget and the EAP options that fit. Visit us at 41000 Woodward Avenue, Suite 350 East, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304, or call 248.370.8853.
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