The Conversations Defining Pharmacy Benefits Right Now

What are employers prioritizing when it comes to pharmacy benefits? That's the question I walked into — and came out of with a much clearer answer. As Scripta's Chief Pharmacy Officer, I was invited to speak at this year's Business Group on Health Pharmacy Benefit Committee (PBC) Meeting. Being in that room, on the stage and off, gives you a different kind of access to what employers are actually experiencing. Here's what I took away.

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GLP-1s Are Still Dominating — But the Conversation Has Matured

Not surprisingly, GLP-1s remained a major topic throughout the meeting. But the conversations have clearly evolved beyond simply whether employers should cover these medications. Discussions are now centered around sustainability, predictability, long-term strategy, and how employers can support members while managing rising pharmacy costs.

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Direct-to-Employer Models Are Getting Serious Attention

Another major theme was the continued interest in new pharmacy care and distribution models, including direct-to-employer and direct-to-consumer approaches. Employers continue exploring ways to improve the member experience, increase transparency, and better align incentives across the pharmacy ecosystem.

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Transparency Is a Baseline Expectation

Transparency itself remained a consistent thread across many conversations. Employers are becoming increasingly sophisticated in how they evaluate pharmacy strategies, vendor alignment, and overall value. There is growing focus on understanding the full picture behind pharmacy spend and ensuring decisions are aligned to both member outcomes and financial sustainability.

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The Member Experience Gap Is Real — and Employers Know It

One of my biggest takeaways from the meeting was that employers increasingly want pharmacy benefits to feel more like a modern consumer experience: simpler navigation, clearer information, better support, and less complexity for members trying to access medications and understand their options.

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I wholeheartedly appreciate all the opportunities we’ve had to participate in these discussions and value the collaborative environment that the Business Group on Health creates for employers and industry stakeholders, so everyone can exchange ideas and perspectives on some of healthcare’s most important challenges.