Rethinking Chronic Condition Management
Chronic conditions like obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease continue to be leading cost drivers for employer-sponsored health plans. GLP-1 medications, originally developed for diabetes, are now at the forefront of a new paradigm in chronic conditions and weight management, with the potential to improve long-term health outcomes and reduce downstream medical costs.
In this webinar, our panel of healthcare and employee benefits experts discussed: The evolving role of GLP-1 receptor agonists and their role in addressing obesity and metabolic conditions; insights into the clinical and economic impact of GLP-1 adoption; and best practices for integrating medication management with an Advanced Primary Care health model. Here are key takeaways from their discussion.
Key Insight #1: The Preventable Burden of Chronic Illness
Stephen Ezeji-Okoye, MD | Chief Medical Officer at Crossover Health
Most chronic illness is preventable, yet our environment works against us. While GLP-1s are powerful, they’re not sufficient on their own. If 70% of overweight adults used these medications, the cost would reach $2.2 trillion—nearly half of the U.S. healthcare spending. Effective progress comes from pairing medication with lifestyle changes to achieve sustainable results.
Key Insight #2: Emerging Employer Strategy
Kelly Polinski | Senior Director, Population Health & Wellbeing at Brown & Brown
GLP-1 medications deliver results, but their widespread use could overwhelm employer healthcare budgets. Organizations are designing supportive environments that promote healthier lifestyles by integrating Mental Health and Registered Dietitian services in their benefits ecosystem, and setting clear contingencies for medication access. This strategy allows employers to manage costs while still addressing the demand for weight management solutions.
Key Insight #3: Coverage, Carve-Outs, and Concern for Sustainability
Michael Tong | Pharmacist at AS-Meds
Most insurers don’t cover GLP-1s for obesity, leaving patients to pay nearly $1000/month. Employers are currently exploring carve-out arrangements to subsidize use. Sustainability remains a challenge as results may decline when a patient discontinues treatment. The long-term effectiveness of GLP-1s can be extended when integrated with a broader care model that supports nutrition, exercise, and behavior change.
Key Insight #4: The Complexity of Weight
Danielle Heuseveldt, RD | Health Coach at Crossover Health
Weight is shaped by genetics, psychology, environment, and social factors, making it one the most complex health challenges to address. GLP-1s may provide powerful support, but they are not cures. And relying on them alone risks escalating costs without lasting results. Unless necessary guardrails are put in place, benefit strategies risk delivering high costs with limited long-term value.
Whether you’re evaluating the inclusion of GLP-1s in your benefits design or seeking a strategic partner to help manage chronic conditions in your employee population, Crossover Health can offer guidance to inform your benefits strategy.
Speakers
- Moderator: Nate Murray | Co-founder at Crossover Health
- Panelist: Danielle Heuseveltt | Senior Program Manager, Health Coach at Crossover
- Panelist: Stephen Ezeji-Okoye, MD | Chief Medical Officer at Crossover Health
- Panelist: Kelly Polinski |Senior Director, Population Health & Wellbeing, Brown & Brown
- Panelist: Michael Tong | Pharmacist, A-S Medication Solutions