Pulse of Purchaser Findings Released
National Alliance Survey Finds Employers with Access to Claims Data Likelier to Adopt Higher Value Strategies that Reduce Costs
Employers with complete and transparent claims access are not only nearly twice as likely to engage in federal and state health policy (56% vs. 31%) but are also more likely to actively implement value strategies – especially when managing pharmacy benefits, hospital value, and high-cost claim management. These are among the findings of the latest survey of 324 employers conducted by the National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions (National Alliance) and its member coalitions.
The Pulse of the Purchaser survey gauged concerns and approaches of employers to address the workforce environment; women’s health; obesity management and emerging therapies; mental health; equity; pharmaceutical and pharmacy benefit management strategies; hospital prices; high-cost claims; data rights and access; fiduciary responsibility; and policy priorities and potential health reforms.
“A survey respondent aptly described the current healthcare environment as a dumpster fire with unlimited fuel as long as employers continue to put up with the status quo,” said Shawn Gremminger, National Alliance president and CEO. “US healthcare costs continue to grow exponentially and outpace economic growth, and it’s the innovative employers that have access to their claims data that are paving the way to fair price and equitable access.”
The online poll of 324 employers that are members of coalitions affiliated with the National Alliance was conducted in July and August. Organizations represented include manufacturing; educational services; public administration; finance and insurance; and healthcare and social assistance institutions. Purchasers ranged in size with 10% having 50,000+ employees; 17% 10,000-49,999; 46% 1,000-9,999; 10% 500-999; and 17% less than 500. The full Pulse of the Purchaser results can be found here.
“LVBCH would like to thank our employer members for participating in this year’s survey,” said Carl Seitz, President, LVBCH. “Thanks to your outstanding response rate, we are able to share LVBCH member-responses in aggregate and compare local results to national trends.”
Local results will be shared during a special Employer Forum Webinar on Tuesday, October 21, 2024, at 12:00 noon. Employer members can register now at: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_6wfur2nOSBiN8GUrrGa7lA#/registration
About National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions
For more than 30 years, the National Alliance has brought together business coalitions and their employer and purchaser members to drive high-quality healthcare that enhances patient experience, promotes health equity, and improves outcomes while lowering costs. Its members represent public and private sectors, nonprofits, and labor unions that provide health benefits to over 90 million Americans—more than half of the employer-sponsored insurance market—spending over $850 billion annually. To learn more, visit nationalalliancehealth.org and connect on LinkedIn.
The National Alliance is hosting its 2025 Annual Forum – Ignite Courage: Employers Disrupting Healthcare – November 10-12 at the Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington, VA. Registration is discounted for employers and other healthcare purchasers affiliated with a National Alliance member coalition. Interested in attending? Please contact Amanda Greene at agreene@lvbch.com