Pharmacy Benefit Management - The Evolving Complexities
Expert Panel
April 30, 2024
Expert Panel
April 30, 2024
The Detroit Chapter of the International Society of Certified Employee Benefit Specialists (ISCEBS) is pleased to invite you to a valuable interactive panel discussion encompassing topics relating to pharmacy management. The event is open to members and non-members alike, whether or not you have earned the CEBS designation. We welcome individuals from all around the state to join us in deepening your understanding of the matters critical to the long-term financial solvency of your group benefit plan while providing members of that plan clinically supported access to medications necessary to address specific health conditions. One thing we can say with certain: this area is clearly the most complex, difficult, and quickly evolving area of benefits management today.
Panelists will address the very timely challenge (and opportunity) associated with GLP-1 agonists being widely utilized for diabetes management and weight loss. We will also dive into the clinical ‘miracles’, yet financial strain, associated with a growing list of highly specialized medications, including an FDA pipeline full of cellular therapies, while also speaking to the promise of biosimilars within this space. Moreover, our panelists will discuss the structure and operation of many pharmacy purchasing collaboratives/coalitions, and why in many instances such arrangements may not be aligned with the plan’s interests. It surely comes as no surprise that the complexity and financial exposure associated with tightly managing a group pharmacy program demands a level of objective guidance and expertise that is simply beyond the capabilities of the traditional group insurance agent. As such, this leaves Plan Sponsors alone in the difficult position of having to grapple with critical design and funding decisions that have serious organizational and member impact. This panel session is intended to deliver truthful and unbiased insight to the rapidly evolving world of group pharmacy plan management through the experience and lens of our panelists. Meet the Panelists:Ben Korman, PharmD
Ben Korman serves as Director of both the Upper Midwest and Midwest Regions for MMA Rx Solutions. He is based out of the Troy, MI office and leads the service team that guides and supports the group pharmacy program efforts among MMA customers. With 10 years of experience in the industry, both on the insurer and consulting sides, Ben plays a crucial role in business development and in the sales process, relationship management with PBMs, and serves as the main point of contact for the MMA field offices on pre- and post-sale implementation as well as ongoing client support relating to all aspects of pharmacy program management. Ben's responsibilities also include working closely with PBM leadership and management staff and other strategic partners to drive strategies, promote actions, and deliver outcomes that align with the contract, network, clinical, and servicing needs of both the MMA field offices and their mutual clients. He is dedicated to delivering innovative and measurable solutions that effectively manage clients' pharmacy risk, generate savings, and facilitate a positive member experience. Ben earned a Bachelor of Science from Eastern Michigan University and his Doctorate of Pharmacy from the University of Michigan. Joe Wear, RN, BSN, mba
Joe Wear brings 18 years of diverse healthcare experience to the Planning and Analytics for Total Health (PATH) department at MMA, serving as Regional Clinical Consultant. Prior to joining MMA, Joe spent two years in ICU nursing, four years in surgical recovery nursing, and was a Case Manager/Team Leader at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. Joe’s role at MMA is to help customers understand how to utilize healthcare in their employee populations. He provides a deeper dive into what their data means, what is working well, and where lies opportunity for change. Joe prides himself on being able to tell a story with data. As a clinician, Joe can provide real-world experience and insight into a person’s healthcare journey. To Joe, success is defined by the positive results clients see after his recommendations. Joe earned his Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Valdosta State University and his Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Kennesaw State University. He also holds a Master of Business Administration earned from Wayne State University, and CCMC (Commission for Case Manager Certification) designation. Hope May, pharmd
Hope serves as a Senior Clinical Pharmacist Consultant on the RxBenefits Clinical Services Team and helps support our clients, Business Development, Account Management, Implementation, and other teams across the organization. She joined RxBenefits in 2021 with over 8 years of pharmacy experience. She works to analyze client data and craft tailored appropriate clinical recommendations to align with each client's pharmacy objectives. She is based out of Huntsville, AL, about an hour and a half north of RxBenefits headquarters, and enjoys spending time with her fiancé and goldendoodle, Archie. Hope received her Doctor of Pharmacy from Samford University McWhorter School of Pharmacy in Birmingham, AL. |
DATE: Tuesday, April 30, 2024 Time: 8:30 am Continental Breakfast 9:00 - 11:30 am Panel Discussion LOCATION: Marsh McLennan Agency 755 W. Big Beaver Road Floor 2 Troy, MI 48084 COST: Complimentary REGISTRATION: Registration closed 4/26 QUESTIONS: Please email the Chapter WHAT ELSE TO KNOW: Attendees are invited to arrive at 8:30 a.m. for a continental breakfast and networking. Prior to and following the panel discussion, you’ll also hear a bit of information relating to the ISCEBS, CEBS Designation, and the importance of supporting and growing the Detroit Chapter. Finally, please plan to stick around afterwards and network with your peers while enjoying lunch at one of the many terrific restaurants populating this stretch of Big Beaver Road! If you have questions about the ISCEBS, programs, events, and potential membership, please reach out! We’re a dynamic group of Benefits and Retirement Plan professionals who are looking to grow the network of accomplished and dedicated individuals who will lead group benefits – indeed Total Rewards – into the future. Please consider joining!
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