With just a couple of clicks on the computer, companies and employees who are looking for helpful advice on everything from health insurance to healthcare reform to even healthy living tips can track down information online. These days, companies are using social media sites to provide helpful tips in these areas.

Most likely, your health insurer is posting comments on their Facebook pages, tweeting on Twitter, uploading videos or networking. Many health insurance companies are hitting the Internet to share what’s going on and what’s new. They’re addressing everything from health topics to federal reforms.

Insurers view social media sites as a way to communicate with members as well as the broader community. It’s important to educate people about healthcare issues and to be seen as a resource in this area. Insurers say so far, the information shared is one-directional, with little feedback and interactive discussions. It’s being mostly used to help members understand their benefits. In addition, this prevents potential privacy issues from being a concern.

Companies are posting information such as health tips, questions and answers on hot topics and the latest company news. On YouTube, Blue Cross Blue Shield has posted several videos, including one talking about healthcare reform, the benefits of quitting smoking and the importance of nutritious breakfasts. Blue Cross also has information about healthcare reform on its home page. Several insurance company websites are addressing healthcare reform concerns on the web in a variety of ways.

Since employees are using social media sites, that’s where companies know they need to be. Employers are also using these sites to hire people. Several companies are reportedly using LinkedIn to recruit high level executives.

Since communicating online has changed tremendously over the past few years, companies would be remiss if they did not utilize social media networking sites and continually explore the most efficient and effective ways to communicate with their constituents.