ZorroCard Round Up (10/10/24)

Hey all,

The KFF 2024 Employer Health Benefits Survey had a lot of great information and said facts. It highlighted how much need their is for more transparency in health benefits. Enjoy the round up!

Best,

Jacob Brody (Co-Founder & CEO, ZorroCard)

KFF (2024 Employer Health Benefits Survey): The 2024 Employer Health Benefits Survey reveals that the average annual premium for family coverage has reached $24,000, a 7% increase from the previous year, with employees shouldering nearly $7,000 of that cost. Rising health care costs are continuing to strain both employers and workers, while wages struggle to keep pace. The only people winning right now are the big PBMs and pharmaceutical companies. Full Article

CostCurve (Employer Confusion on PBM Rebates): Brian Reid highlighted an important part of the KFF survey: that many employers remain unaware of how pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) rebates are allocated, despite these rebates playing a significant role in prescription drug costs. This lack of transparency leaves employers struggling to understand the true cost of their health plans, which lets PBMs take advantage of them. Full Article

Stat News (Kamala Harris’ Allies in Health Care Policy): As Vice President Kamala Harris eyes the presidency, she could usher in a new era of prioritizing women’s health, particularly reproductive rights and addressing maternal mortality disparities. Harris has longstanding relationships with key allies, including Sen. Laphonza Butler, Planned Parenthood’s Alexis McGill Johnson, and billionaire Mark Cuban, who has been influential shaping her efforts on prescription drug affordability through his company, Cost Plus Drugs. Full Article