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This is a 2-part educational series with a panel of industry experts. Originally developed to treat diabetes, GLP-1 Drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, Zepbound are now being touted in the media as “Obesity Drugs” because of their weight-loss effects. However, few are talking about the unexpected costs to health plans.
In 2023, U.S. demands for this category of pharmaceuticals exceeded supply, and some analysts predict the market could surpass $150 billion a year within a decade. Nearly 115 million U.S. adults and children are considered “obese” meaning over 30 million Americans could be using them.
At a cost of $10,000 - $15,600 per year, these drugs could add 8-15% to health plan costs.
Chief Medical Officer, Michigan/Wisconsin United Healthcare Clinical Services
Dr. Nicole Brady is the Chief Medical Officer for UnitedHealthcare’s Employer and Individual business. In that role, she collaborates with providers to improve member experience and quality of care while innovating new care delivery models and payment methodologies that deliver greater value to members. She works with employers as they strive to improve the health and wellness of their employees while controlling costs. Dr. Brady is committed to ensuring individuals and communities have access to the highest quality, most cost-effective health care possible.
She is a family physician who was born and raised in WI and enjoys spending time outdoors. She graduated from the Medical College of WI and UW Fox Valley Family Medicine Residency. She completed her MBA from Capella University. When she’s not at work, you can find her at her son and daughter’s sporting events, in the garden, on the lake or in the woods.
Regional Account Manager, Novo Nordisk
Joe Blatz has a successful track record working with Integrated Delivery Networks, Teaching Hospitals, Long-Term Care accounts, Payers/Regional PBM’s, Fortune 100 Employers, and Federal accounts. His 3 decades of diverse experience encompasses: Coaching, Mentoring, Cross Matrix Collaboration, Contract Negotiation, Team Building, and Building Strategic Relationships and Networks. His reputation for being able to map out a market and understand the connections has enabled him to be a successful strategic planner and help both his teams and customers achieve their goals.
In his role, Joe Blatz partners with Integrated Delivery Networks, Payers/Regional PBM’s, Coalitions, and Employers to support their chronic disease management efforts. He collaborates with local teams to strategically align resources to support opportunities in the Midwest Area markets.
President & Founder, The Prism Health Group
A graduate of Drake University, Ryan is the President and Founder of The Prism Health Group. Results driven, he is a proven healthcare professional, with demonstrated experience in new business development, strategic corporate development, and business operations.
With a decade’s worth of industry experience, Ryan develops, aligns and empowers partnerships in the healthcare and pharmacy benefit management (PBM) industry.
With a primary focus with managed care, direct-to-employer, and TPA organizations, Ryan has worked closely with each client to outline effective, and highly custom methods of managing the pharmacy benefit to achieve leading plan cost savings and quality care for those they serve.
Benefits Practice Leader, Acrisure Midwest
Jeff has 31 years of experience as an advisor to some of Wisconsin’s leading and most progressive employers. As the leader of our benefits practice, Jeff’s role is to guide our clients’ strategies and ensure they aren’t missing out on any opportunities to drive their health care strategy forward.