January 2025

In this Issue:

Affiliate Events and News

Wondr Health improves access to digital, evidence-based behavioral support for weight management. Born in the benefits space 17 years ago, Wondr is a clinically proven behavior-change program that treats the root cause of chronic metabolic conditions to improve quality of life and health outcomes to prevent and reduce costs.

Contact: Kathryn Ross

VP, Enterprise Marketing

email: kross@galileo.io

Multispecialty Digital Medical Practice

Health Policy Issues to Watch in 2025

It’s no surprise that the U.S. health care system is complex. The many entities responsible for paying for portions of health care—including government programs, employers, and individuals—make for an intricate web of competing interests and stakeholders. Employers should remain aware of the political and policy discussions going on around them, but most will be best served by a proactive and adaptable strategy. Read more about the health benefits policy landscape and issues to watch.

Coverage for Weight-Loss Medications Still a Challenge for Most Patients

Weight-loss drugs have been the rage from main street to Wall Street. George Hampton, CEO of Currax Pharmaceuticals LCC joins TheStreet to explain what needs to happen for weight-loss drugs to become covered by insurance companies. View his interview here.

Study: Why Quick Fixes Don’t Work in Workplace Wellness

While approximately 84% of organizations have workplace wellness programs, there is a concerning disconnect between these initiatives and actual employee health outcomes. Rising health-care costs, chronic disease prevalence, and increasing employee burnout and stress are prompting many organizations to rethink their wellness strategies. The big question is why do so many workplace wellness programs fail and what should organizations do about it? This article by Chief Medical Officer Dr. Tim Church’s latest MedCity News explains more.

Understand the Impacts of Kidney Disease on the Workforce

Known as the silent killer, chronic kidney disease (CKD) is wreaking havoc among many employee-populations – but most employers aren’t aware of an issue. That’s because 90% of the people who have CKD don’t know they have it – just yet.

CKD can have varying effects on employees’ ability to work. Employers can play a pivotal role in supporting employees with CKD, contributing to a healthier workforce and quality of life while mitigating the costs of hiring and training new workers. Early detection, prevention and increasing awareness of CKD are vital steps in managing CKD in the workplace. Learn more about how kidney disease impacts the workforce.

Bring Comprehensive Women’s Health Benefits to your Workforce

Women's health benefits have become pivotal benefits for employers to offer. But with healthcare costs expected to rise nearly 6%, many companies are working to cut or streamline budgets, placing greater emphasis on cost and ROI. Benefit leaders must be in lockstep with their CFOs to balance financial obligations with the need to drive employee engagement. 

Progyny took to a network of CFOs to better understand how they weigh short and long-term costs of women’s health benefits. Download the analysis and discover more ways to make the case for women’s health benefits that support members while driving down healthcare costs.  

Navigating Health Care Trends for 2025: What Employers Need to Know

As employers face rising healthcare costs and an increasingly complex benefits landscape, 2025 presents both challenges and opportunities. From navigating escalating pharmacy expenses to integrating mental health support and advanced primary care, it’s clear that employers must find innovative solutions to prioritize employee health while managing costs. 

Read more to learn how apree health breaks down key trends shaping the future of employee healthcare, including the growing focus on preventative care, digital health partnerships and a more personalized approach every step of the way.

Contact: Monique Artalejo

Phone: (619) 549-4954

email: monique.artalejo@includedhealth.com

Navigation and Care Connected by a Single Experience

Contact: Annie Tse

VP, Advisory Practice Lead for Wellbeing Strategy

email: atse@wellsparkhealth.com

Customized Wellbeing, Coaching, Disease Prevention, and Disease

Self-Management Solutions