Employer healthcare costs are projected to rise by 9% next year, primarily due to expensive pharmacy expenses like GLP-1s. Physicians are likely to start prescribing GLP-1s for more indications apart from weight loss, potentially leading to coverage for conditions such as kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, and sleep apnea. Employers are encouraged to analyze the benefits and costs of medications, implement strategies to improve employee health, and balance care with costs. Strategies include focusing on prevention, offering a variety of weight-loss medications, personalized wellness plans, stepped care approaches, leveraging data, and integrating GLP-1s into broader healthcare strategies. Leading with behavior change and personalized care can help employers manage rising healthcare expenses effectively.
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