As employers brace for significant healthcare cost increases in 2027, PLANSPONSOR highlighted the Health Action Alliance's report on pharmacy-based care as one strategy to help manage rising costs.

The article, which examined how specialty drug claims, GLP-1 medication use, and preventive care incentives are shaping employer healthcare strategy for next year, drew on a research report from the Health Action Alliance and the National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) showing that pharmacies are an underused resource for closing gaps in care access.

Sarah Rauzin, HAA's Director of Health Strategy and Insights, was quoted in the article: "Pharmacies are capable of delivering much more than what our current healthcare system is set up to reimburse. We're underutilizing pharmacists for the full scope of their services."

The article also highlighted HAA's employer playbook, part of a suite of free resources designed to help business leaders partner directly with pharmacies to make healthcare more affordable and accessible for their teams. Check them out below.

• Beyond the Script: An Employer's Guide to Unlocking the Value of Pharmacy-Based Services
  A step-by-step playbook for HR and benefits leaders to implement pharmacy-based healthcare services that lower costs, expand access to care, and improve employee health.
• Working With Your Carrier To Cover Pharmacy-Based Health Services
  How to talk to your health plan partner about adding or expanding pharmacy-based services, including what to prepare, what to ask, and how to align on metrics and payment.
• Building Your Employer-Pharmacy Partnership Agreement
  A step-by-step playbook for HR and benefits leaders to implement pharmacy-based healthcare services that lower costs, expand access to care, and improve employee health.

Read the full article over at PLANSPONSOR.