Cost-Containment

When doctors encourage informed referrals to specialists who can demonstrate lower costs and better outcomes, this can have a significant impact on VBC program costs, sometimes resulting in millions of dollars of annual savings.

Those 65 and older joining Medicare for the first time can buy a supplemental, or "Medigap," policy, which covers many out-of-pocket costs, such as deductibles and copays, which can be substantial.

Hospitals are marking up the prices for biologic medicines more than physician offices, particularly for "innovator biologics" that have clinically equivalent (and lower cost alternatives) on the market, says a new report.

Speakers at SIIA's recent national conference in Phoenix had a lot to say about self-funding strategies, the Gag Clause Prohibition, artificial intelligence and the fututure of employee benefits and health care.

Forecasters are dealing with a unique set of factors this year, including the post-pandemic winding down of care avoidance, the emergence of new drugs and the expiration of 2-year contracts with providers, says a new report.

Exposures often lead business owners to cut the wrong expenses and avoid the right investment.

Using Blue Shield of California as a precedent, more health entities may scale back their reliance on their PBMs in favor of centers of excellence that provide specific services. But this new approach to pharmacy benefits needs an organized and connected way for information to be shared.

Health care spending accounts for approximately one-fifth of the U.S. GDP. Is it any wonder employers and employees are ready for a change?