The Pulse from UnitedHealthcare: The power of cross-benefit drug management in an integrated benefits model

Matt Vesledahl breaks down how pharmacy integration works — and why it can be a powerful tool in reducing employer and member costs.


By Matt Vesledahl, Chief Affordability Officer for UnitedHealthcare Employer & Individual

As health care costs continue to climb, employers are finding themselves in a difficult position and are looking to us for answers. As chief affordability officer for the commercial business of UnitedHealthcare, that’s what energizes me. Our team here at UnitedHealthcare is working to provide solutions that aim to support members’ whole-person health needs and address employers’ most pressing concerns. Navigating the pharmacy world and managing drug costs are often topping that priority list. That’s why I was excited to sit down and explain the value that employers have the potential to realize when pharmacy and medical benefits are integrated.

Focusing in on pharmacy integration

When we’re able to see what’s happening across a member’s pharmacy and medical benefits, we can help them navigate to the most appropriate and cost-effective care, leading to potentially significant cost savings for employers as well. For instance, receiving a drug administered in a clinical setting and covered under a member’s medical benefit could end up costing thousands more than if that same drug were self-administered at home and covered under the member’s pharmacy benefit. And vice versa. At UnitedHealthcare, we aim to make those decisions clearer for the member, and that’s the power of our cross-benefit drug management approach. We’re all consumers of the pharmacy world in one way or another, so it’s critical that we keep that health care as affordable as possible, which helps everyone to access the care they need.

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