Unraveling GI Health: Specialty Drugs, Mental Health, and Cost Trends in Employee Benefits

In the latest episode of "Healthcare on the Rocks: Employee Benefits with a Twist," hosts Brittany Hardaway and Rachael Baumgartner welcomed Chris Gagan, Senior Director of Solutions Management at Springbuk, to dive deep into the 2025 Employee Health Trends Report. Their conversation shed light on the critical issue of gastrointestinal health and its profound impact on employee benefits and healthcare costs.

Below, you'll find highlights and takeaways from their conversation. Ready to listen to the full episode? Click here.

In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, understanding the nuanced drivers of medical costs is crucial for employers seeking to provide comprehensive, cost-effective employee benefits. The 2025 Employee Health Trends Report from Springbuk reveals a compelling narrative about gastrointestinal (GI) health that demands attention from benefit leaders and HR professionals.

The Rising Tide of GI Healthcare Costs

Recent data reveals a startling trend: after cancer and diabetes, GI diseases have emerged as the third most costly condition group, with a trend increase second only to diabetes over the past three years. But what's driving this surge?

Specialty Drugs: The Primary Cost Catalyst

Specialty drugs are the primary driver of GI healthcare costs, particularly for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Consider these eye-opening statistics:

• Nearly 80% of IBD spending goes to specialty drugs
• The pharmacy channel for these drugs has increased 35% in three years
• A single medication like Stelara can cost upwards of $125,000 per patient annually

Beyond the Numbers: The Complex Landscape of GI Conditions

While conditions like acid reflux might seem minor, the report highlights more complex and costly diseases:

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) accounts for about half of all GI spend
• Emerging conditions like Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EOE) are creating new cost pressures
• Some drugs, like Dupixent for EOE, have seen claimant numbers triple since approval

The Surprising Mental Health Connection

One of the most intriguing insights is the strong correlation between mental health and GI conditions:

• Individuals with mental health conditions are twice as likely to have GI issues
• Those with anxiety or depression are 3.5 times more likely to develop Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

This connection suggests that holistic wellness strategies addressing mental health could simultaneously improve GI health outcomes.

Strategic Recommendations for Employers

Cost Management Strategies

• Partner with vendors specializing in complex condition management
• Educate employees about biosimilar opportunities
• Design plans that support medication adherence

Holistic Wellness Approaches

• Implement comprehensive stress management programs
• Provide robust mental health support
• Leverage data-driven insights to identify and support at-risk employees

The Future of Employee Health Benefits

The key takeaway? Specialty drugs, particularly biosimilars, will be a critical focus. The report highlights that incentivizing biosimilar adoption through strategic formulary design and reduced copays can significantly offset rising healthcare costs.

Understanding the intricate relationships between GI health, mental wellness, and healthcare spending is no longer optional—it's essential. By leveraging data-driven insights and adopting a holistic approach, employers can create more effective, compassionate benefit strategies that support employee health and manage escalating medical costs.

Interested in diving deeper? Download the full 2025 Employee Health Trends Report from Springbuk for comprehensive insights.