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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

@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

@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

@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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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