Healthcare Purchaser Alliance

Pharmacy costs now account for 25% of the Healthcare Purchaser Alliance's book of business spend, and the upward cost trend shows no sign of abating. If anything, experts expect cost increases to pick up steam in the coming years as more expensive specialty drugs like gene and cell therapies come to market. So what can employers and public purchasers do to mitigate this trend? The answer... a lot! Join us at 8am on September 18th at the Woodlands Club in Falmouth to learn more and save money for your organization. Link to register: https://lnkd.in/ejiU3bbd

The recent changes to Maine's paid family leave program reflect a significant shift toward balancing employee needs with business concerns. By offering more flexibility in how businesses implement this policy, the state is recognizing the importance of sustainable solutions that support both workers and employers. Read more about this from the The Portland Press Herald https://lnkd.in/eaQbxiw2

Despite increased demand for therapy, many face barriers due to insurance limitations, leading to a critical shortage of accessible care. As mental health becomes increasingly recognized as essential to overall well-being, it's crucial that we advocate for better coverage and support systems that make therapy accessible to all. Read or listen to this NPR ProPublica story to learn more https://lnkd.in/eM8TFxcu

As employers search for ways to reduce their healthcare costs without cutting benefits, one potential strategy that can be a real win-win for both employers and employees is helping those over the age of 65 to determine whether a Medicare plan might offer superior coverage at a lower cost. Read more about Medicare enrollment services in our latest solution brief: https://lnkd.in/e2JksqnD

Specialty drugs, often in the thousands of dollars per script per month, are a major driver in pharmacy spend. There are strategies to manage their costs, including a carve-out specialty drug vendor. Not every employer needs one. But every employer does need to know the details on their Rx spend to know if it is necessary.

The University of Maine is exploring the possibility of establishing their own medical school, a move that could significantly impact healthcare access and education in the region. Read more about it in this The Portland Press Herald article: https://lnkd.in/evdDHkJE

The latest Business Group on Health survey reveals a projected 8% increase in employer health care costs for 2025, the highest in over a decade. Rising pharmacy expenses, especially from GLP-1 medications and treatments for chronic conditions like cancer, are key drivers. Read more, here: https://lnkd.in/d62aM3hP

Register today and get these two upcoming HPA events on your calendar! Free for our members, links below. 📅 September 18th: Pharmacy Benefit Fundamentals & Innovation, 8-10am at the Woodlands Club in Falmouth. https://lnkd.in/ejiU3bbd 📅 October 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th: Healthcare Strategy for Benefits Professionals, 12-1pm four-part webinar series https://lnkd.in/gE2-M74x

You don't have to go to the hospital for your health care. Oftentimes it will be less expensive, easier to access, and there will be better outcomes at a clinically appropriate site of care. Think of urgent cares, infusion centers, radiology centers, and independent PT practices. Check out this recent research and article from JAMA Network Open on this issue. https://lnkd.in/dHAxiw_C

Mark Cuban is on a mission to disrupt the healthcare industry, and his latest move with Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company, PBC is a game-changer. By leveraging technology and transparency, Cost Plus Drugs is not only making medications more affordable but also challenging the status quo of the pharmaceutical industry. Read more from Fierce Healthcare: https://lnkd.in/gaJUiFiB