Jul 1, 2021 | Commentary
You can see right through us. And we’re totally fine with that.
For plan years beginning on December 27, 2021, or later, brokers and consultants will be held to new compensation transparency obligations under the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA). The CAA creates new requirements for brokers and consultants (referred to in the rules as “covered service providers” or “CSPs”) to disclose to ERISA-covered group health plan sponsors any direct or indirect compensation they may receive for referral of services. (more…)
May 28, 2021 | Commentary, Specialty Drug Management
Chelko uses our unique clinical and sourcing expertise to dramatically reduce drug benefit costs for plan sponsors and improve member care. While others mistakenly chase discounts and rebates, we focus on removing waste and excessive profiteering from plans and helping members more affordably get the medications they need.
The fact is, too many people are using old strategies to take on new challenges. While brand and generic medications make up almost 99% of total prescriptions and have long been the primary focus of most cost reduction efforts, it’s more than time to shift our attention to the other 1%. (more…)
Mar 29, 2021 | by Lucia Vescera, Commentary, Specialty Drug Management
The world is full of patients suffering from diseases without available therapeutic options and the FDA’s “accelerated approval” pathway offers many an additional degree of hope. Introduced in 1992 and later modified in 2012, the program is not without its downsides. (more…)
Feb 24, 2021 | Commentary
Maybe you’ve heard this story before, but probably never as it relates to employee benefits.
During World War II, planes would come back from battle riddled with bullet holes. The Allies did an analysis and determined which areas of the returning aircraft were most commonly hit by enemy fire. In doing so, they hoped to reduce the number of planes shot down by adding additional armor plating to those frequently damaged sections. (more…)
Feb 24, 2021 | Actuarial Perspective, by Eric Sepanski, Commentary
Can you imagine car shopping without knowing prices? While the very idea may seem absurd, medical consumers in the U.S. ― particularly those covered under high deductible health plans ― have been doing it for decades. New price transparency rules appear poised to change that, but will consumers and health plans realize any savings? (more…)
Feb 24, 2021 | Commentary, COVID-19 Updates
As the vaccine rollout progresses through the early part of 2021, the broader employer response appears to be a bit more measured than some anticipated just a few short weeks ago.
While the path forward is looking a bit more clear, some employers are still struggling to determine an appropriate level of involvement in the vaccination process. (more…)
