It’s no secret that health care costs are skyrocketing, but new research from the Business Group on Health indicates a 54% compounded increase over the last decade. On this episode of Margin of Care, the group’s president and CEO, Ellen Kelsay, reveals why health care costs are getting out of control — and how cell and gene therapy is a part of the puzzle.
Key Takeaways:
Healthcare costs are up 54% over the past decade, with pharmacy now the top driver.
GLP‑1s, gene therapy, and mental health needs are forcing new affordability tradeoffs.
Employers are rethinking vendor accountability, quality steerage, and financial well-being.
AI has promise, but vendor fragmentation and pricing pass-through are major concerns.
00:00 – Intro + Guest welcome
01:20 – Why costs are up 54% over 10 years
03:50 – Pharmacy trend + GLP‑1 impact
06:30 – Cell/gene therapy + financial sustainability
09:00 – Vendor accountability + ROI
11:15 – Innovations: RFPs, biosimilars, quality steerage
14:30 – Consolidation vs. new entrants
16:45 – AI benefits + risks for employers
20:20 – Affordability strategies + wellbeing investment
23:40 – Stories of bold leadership + change
27:00 – Final advice to benefit leaders