IntoValue Insights | December 2024
At IntoValue, we accelerate provider organizations’ success with direct-to-employer care. We are uniquely positioned to support both providers and self-insured employers in improving employee health outcomes and the care experience, all while reducing the cost of care.
Here, we share the most interesting recent thought pieces about innovations in improving employer-sponsored healthcare.
Employer Healthcare Costs
The American Medical Association’s 23rd edition of “Competition in Health Insurance” offers new insights on competition in health insurance markets across the US. For many metropolitain statistical areas, consumers have few choices when selecting health insurance carriers. Increasing competition among carriers tends to reduce premiums. Working with IntoValue, health systems and medical groups can create new options for self-insured employers to offer improved access to care at lower costs.
Employer-Sponsored Healthcare
GLP-1 medications (e.g, Ozempic, Zepbound) are used to treat diabetes and obesity and are an increasing share (9%) of employers’ total prescription spend. They are becoming increasingly popular, and as a result, the cost of employee health plans is also increasing. Employers are taking steps to control the cost of GLP-1 medications, such as requiring prior authorization and increasing cost-sharing. Some employers are even considering not covering GLP-1 medications for obesity at all. Designing ways for self-funded employers to work with health systems and medical groups to support diabetes and obesity management can improve health outcomes while managing costs.
Employer Healthcare Costs
Mercer’s survey of employer-sponsored health plans indicated that managing healthcare cost increases through enhanced benefits for employees and families. Improved coverage for GLP-1 drugs for obesity treatment, increases in IVF coverage, and integration of medication cost strategies will all play important roles in the next 3-5 years. Partnering with health systems and medical groups can offer self-funded employers new paths to offering improved access to services, better outcomes, and lower costs.