Speaker Presentations

Inside the Black Box: Aligning Incentives Across the Pharmacy Ecosystem

Step back for a big-picture discussion on how incentive structures across PBMs, brokers, consultants, and coalitions shape the entire employer marketplace. We’ll explore why misalignments persist, how consolidated market power limits employer options, and where collective leverage and innovation can shift the future.
Josh Golden

Breakout A: The Rebate Mirage: Are You Saving Money or Losing Control?

This tactical session unpacks how rebate guarantees, GPO deals, and pass-through arrangements can obscure the true cost of your pharmacy spend. We’ll break down how rebate mechanics shape formulary design, what employers are earning (or losing) on rebates, and what audit, RFP, or renegotiation strategies you can use to regain transparency.

Sara King, PharmD

Breakout B: GLP-1s + Behavior Change: Making Weight Loss Drugs Work

GLP-1s are dominating headlines—and your pharmacy budget. But how do you cover these high-cost drugs responsibly? This session delivers practical tools for integrating GLP-1 coverage with behavioral and lifestyle supports, from BMI-based guardrails to coaching models and clinical adherence programs. Learn how to strike the right balance between access, outcomes, and cost.

Charles E. Smith, MD Jason Parrott

Breakout C: Seeing the Full Picture: PBMs, Consultants, and What to Ask

Pharmacy benefit decisions involve a complex network of players—including PBMs, consultants, and coalitions. This session helps employers identify where incentives may be misaligned, what questions to ask, and how to ensure transparency and accountability—without pointing fingers. You'll leave with practical tools to manage fiduciary responsibilities and strengthen your pharmacy strategy.

Christine Burke Worthen William Bifulco Josh Van Ginkel

Managing the Specialty Drug Pipeline: A Data-Driven Clinical Approach

Specialty drugs continue to dominate pharmacy spend and complicate benefit decisions. Grounded in employer perspective market research and real-world data, this session shows how to translate pipeline intelligence into action. Learn how employers can anticipate emerging therapies, forecast budget impact, and apply clinical strategies that balance affordability with outcomes.

Scott Halperin, PharmD Tara Higgins, PharmD