Mercer Government Human Services Consulting (GHSC)

We help ready our clients for what's next: the next policy, the next budget, the next administration, the next opportunity.

[Mercer Government Human Services Consulting (GHSC) @MercerGHSC]

At the recent EMPAA conference, Mercer's Sara Drake presented on #Medicaid #pharmacy cost savings, taking policy ideas to the next level, including a discussion on VBP as well as other key topics. https://t.co/yNvt0xIQJw #healthcare

[Mercer Government Human Services Consulting (GHSC) @MercerGHSC]

The CCBHC demonstration offers states a unique opportunity to transform their #BehavioralHealth delivery systems through sustainable service funding with an enhanced federal match. Find out more today. https://t.co/4w5BTeINhf #government #medicaid

[Mercer Government Human Services Consulting (GHSC) @MercerGHSC]

Pleased to announce that we'll be at #NASDDDS 2022 annual conference. Help us support their mission to assist member state agencies in building systems of services and supports for individuals with #disabilities and their families. https://t.co/ZzryH5VAy6 #Medicaid

[Mercer Government Human Services Consulting (GHSC) @MercerGHSC]

There are myriad strategies to drive down drug costs and improve the patient experience. @KipPiper, @TracyFWatts, @DonnaKLencki, @ShawnaKitt & others discuss the sate of #prescription drug #benefits in @GuzmanD's #MercerChats REWIND. https://t.co/WGqL7fTkht #health #medicine

[Mercer Government Human Services Consulting (GHSC) @MercerGHSC]

The #Inflation Reduction Act is now law. Despite the #Medicare focus of the law, there are provisions that will affect the #Medicaid program, both directly and indirectly. Medicaid programs should be prepared and we share strategies and challenges. https://t.co/sqvw0YAguO #health

[Mercer Government Human Services Consulting (GHSC) @MercerGHSC]

On August 7-11, join us at the annual HSFO Conference to network and attend training sessions alongside other state agency leaders on budgeting, cost allocation and grants management. https://t.co/5A9uLUkUmz #FutureofWork #finance #leadership

[Mercer Government Human Services Consulting (GHSC) @MercerGHSC]

Mercer #Government has provided an ethos of service and commitment to our clients since 1985. State #Medicaid programs need solutions with a comprehensive viewpoint. Our colleagues are your partners. https://t.co/U0CIi4KEmT #leadership

[Mercer Government Human Services Consulting (GHSC) @MercerGHSC]

For too long, #MentalHealth disorders have been considered separate and distinct from physical #health conditions. We discuss the 988 implementation led by state #Medicaid agencies and provide insights into the state challenges. https://t.co/8HZMWLwqpC #healthcare

[Kip Piper @KipPiper]

@Mercer_US A3: More transparency on hospital price increases, particularly the often huge spread between acquisition drug costs and what payers are paying. #MercerChats

[Kip Piper @KipPiper]

@DonnaKLencki @TamaraMcCleary @samespinosa_mmc @dr_salim_MD On the positive side, we will see a tremendous increase in breakthrough therapies leveraging advanced technologies and methods. Down side, of course, is these will come at a high price, particularly for #Medicaid but also #Medicare. #MercerChats

[Salim Saiyed, MD, MBA @salim_saiyed_MD]

@Mercer_US A3 focusing on wellness & prevention will be key to keep employees healthy , avoid higher drug costs in long runs. We see all the time patients coming off drugs with proper diet and nutrition #mercerchats

[Kip Piper @KipPiper]

@Mercer_US The policy and political risks will be considerable, with uncertainty and pressure for increased regulation and price controls. Thus far, federal proposals would be disastrous, albeit politically appealing for many. We'll see more debate on fast-track approvals. #MercerChats

[TracyWatts @TracyFWatts]

A3. Strategies under consideration for managing extremely expensive gene and cellular therapies as they emerge:
🔎Outcomes based pricing
🔎Participate in a risk pool managed by PBM
🔎Rx specific stoploss
🔎Pay for drug over time
#MercerChats

[Sam Espinosa @samespinosa_mmc]

A3: One challenge is that the payment innovation always follows the pricing change/increase… #healthcare #Medicaid #MercerChats

[Donna K. Lencki @DonnaKLencki]

Look at total healthcare costs. Reduce inappropriate utilization, identify gaps in tracking effects of specialty drugs, introduce specialty cost-sharing tier(s), track patient treatment delays and explore alternative funding models. #MercerChats

[Sara Drake RPh, MPH, MBA @SaraDrakeRx]

A3: At the same time as presenting clinical opportunity, #GeneTherapy will create financing challenges to employers and state Medicaid programs. Payers will need to explore risk mitigation solutions to align with program and budget goals. #MercerChats

[Sara Drake RPh, MPH, MBA @SaraDrakeRx]

A3: Speaking of Sovaldi and Hep C @samespinosa_mmc , some #Medicaid programs have been successful with implementation of subscription models for select drug classes such as #HepatitisC. There may be potential for similar models for #PrEP or #HIV. #MercerChats

[Tamara McCleary @TamaraMcCleary]

A3. A variety of options, such as rebate programs, value based purchasing agreements and more can be applied to help lower #benefits #Pharmaceutical costs. Greater co-pays and a focus on factoring cost into anticipated patient outcomes can help reduce cost. #MercerChats

[Sam Espinosa @samespinosa_mmc]

A2: Payors will continue to consolidate purchasing through coalitions to gain leverage in purchasing #healthcare #Medicaid #MercerChats

[April Dawn Lindquist @april_lindquist]

@Mercer_US Emerging new classes of therapies that are very different than traditional pharmacy benefit therapies requiring additional focus on the medical benefit and added layers of authorization and channel strategies. #MercerChats