Healthcare Benefit Trends Report: Managers turn to more independent navigation, accepting restricted GLP-1 drugs
According to a new survey sponsored by MedCity News and Quantum Health, most welfare consultants recommend self-sufficiency employers seek independent health care solutions. According to the third annual welfare affect index, self-insured employers also use GLP-1 drug coverage conditioned on measurable results.
The 2025 index, based on a survey of more than 120 welfare consultants, found that consultants often point to self-sufficient employers to independent healthcare navigation companies, citing better membership experience, stronger clinical integration and higher cost saving transparency.
The index also highlights the growing impact of artificial intelligence. 72% of consultants said they would consult clients about the impact of AI in welfare programs. Nearly one-third (31%) said they now advise AI frequently or most of the time, compared to 20% in 2024.
Since GLP-1 drug coverage has become a more common welfare option, verifiable results are adopted. Of the 87% of consultants, they said they provided advice on GLP-1 drug coverage to employers, and more than half (54%) said they could help clients relate GLP-1 drugs to quantifiable value and cost costs.
One consultant volunteered: “We are guiding clients to predictive modeling to determine who will benefit and avoid waste.”
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