Background

In 2010, MBGH embarked on a multi-year journey to help employers better understand the challenges and opportunities in effectively managing specialty drug costs and patient outcomes. The August 2014 MBGH Annual Employer Member Survey cited “Managing Specialty Drugs” as one of  the top benefits management priorities.

Each year, there is an increasing number of biologic and specialty drugs being produced for a number of rare and chronic conditions. With more specialty drugs coming down the pipeline and faster drug approvals, employers are seeking to identify various management strategies that support the health and productivity of their workforce and positively impact the bottom line. Through this groundbreaking initiative, MBGH is bringing forth real world learnings from the employer perspective that will support more effective partnerships with PBMs, address contract transparency issues and determine effective benefit plan design strategies that focus on driving optimal patient outcomes.

Outcomes

Employer benchmarking for the last four years that identifies key trends, assesses the employer perspective, and shares the results of the impact specialty drugs have on an employer’s covered population.

An Employer Advisory Council consisting of high-level human resources and health benefits professionals who represent large, self-insured, public and private employers.

Annual multi-stakeholder meetings represented by employers, employer coalitions, PBMs, health plans, specialty pharmacies, consulting firms, patient advocacy representatives and pharmaceutical manufacturers - covering all facets of the specialty drug environment.