Pharmacy benefit costs continue to rise, with specialty drugs, GLP-1 therapies, and emerging biosimilars reshaping employer health strategies. In this episode of NEBGH Voices, Kim Thiboldeaux sits down with Ryan Czado, Chief Pharmacy Officer at RazorMetrics, to explore the most important pharmacy and specialty drug trends benefits leaders should be tracking.

The conversation examines growing investment in point solutions, the evolving pharmacy ecosystem, employer transparency and privacy considerations, and the increasing focus on utilization management. Ryan also shares insights into cardiometabolic care, expanded GLP-1 indications, biosimilars, and the ongoing challenge of balancing affordability with clinical outcomes. As employers plan for 2026 and beyond, this episode offers practical perspectives on building a thoughtful, data-driven pharmacy strategy that aligns financial stewardship with member health.

This episode of NEBGH Voices is sponsored by RazorMetrics.

NEBGH Voices is produced by: Deren Abrams, Adria Subbiondo, and Christian Waugh

Season 2 of NEBGH Voices opens with a preview of what’s ahead for NEBGH in 2026. Kim is joined by NEBGH’s Janaera Gaston, Jeanette Fuente, and Emily Commer to highlight the year’s major events - including the Tribute to Leadership, Cardiometabolic Conference, 15th Annual Conference, Pharmacy Benefits Conference, and an upcoming physical and mental health and well-being event. The conversation explores key issues shaping employer health strategies, from GLP-1s and pharmacy costs to high-cost claims, behavioral health, and whole-person well-being, and shares practical ways members can engage, connect, and get the most out of their NEBGH membership in the year ahead.

NEBGH Voices is produced by: Deren Abrams, Adria Subbiondo, and Christian Waugh

In this year-end episode, Kim Thiboldeaux reflects on a productive year at NEBGH and looks ahead to what’s coming in 2026, thanking members and partners for their continued engagement and support.

She also highlights a recent Mondays with Dr. Mark and Dr. Michael episode featuring mindfulness expert and author Harriet Stein and encourages listeners to revisit NEBGH programming available on our website.

Listen to the Mondays with Dr. Mark and Dr. Michael episode featuring Harriet Stein: https://vimeo.com/1142176659?fl=pl&fe=sh

NEBGH Voices is produced by: Deren Abrams, Adria Subbiondo, and Christian Waugh

In this episode of NEBGH Voices, Kim Thiboldeaux speaks with Dr. Michelle Morse, Acting Health Commissioner and Chief Medical Officer of the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. They explore the goals of the HealthyNYC initiative, approaches to strengthening vaccine confidence, and the city’s progress in cancer prevention and screening equity. Dr. Morse also discusses how employers can support workforce and community health, and offers a forward look at 2026 priorities, from expanding community health workers to increasing healthcare accountability. A timely and actionable discussion for employer leaders.

NEBGH Voices is produced by: Deren Abrams, Adria Subbiondo, and Christian Waugh

What does it take to move from intent to real impact on LGBTQ+ inclusion at work? In this episode of NEBGH Voices, CEO Kim Thiboldeaux talks with Shawnie Hawkins, Senior Director of the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Workplace Equality Program, about how employers can build environments where LGBTQ+ employees thrive. From the Corporate Equality Index to the expectations of today’s emerging workforce, Shawnie explains why workplace equality matters for everyone—and how organizations can turn good intentions into meaningful change.

Learn more in The Link Between LGBTQ+ Inclusion and Business Performance: Examining 15 Years of HRC Foundation Corporate Equality Index Data. Access the full report at hrc.im/CEIBusinessCase and a one-page summary of key findings at hrc.im/CEIBusinessCaseFindings

NEBGH Voices is produced by: Deren Abrams, Adria Subbiondo, and Christian Waugh

In this powerful episode of NEBGH Voices, Dr. Kate O’Brien of the World Health Organization (WHO) and Dr. Vin Gupta, pulmonologist and public health expert, join NEBGH’s Kim Thiboldeaux to explore how employers can navigate the complex vaccine landscape. From WHO’s evidence-based global recommendations to national medical associations and the Vaccine Safety Net, our guests outline trusted sources and actionable insights for workplace health leaders. The conversation tackles misinformation and hesitancy head-on and calls on employers to step up health communication—especially on social media. Tune in for expert advice, practical resources, and a preview of what’s ahead for NEBGH’s upcoming fall webinar on vaccines.

NEBGH Voices is produced by: Deren Abrams, Adria Subbiondo, and Christian Waugh

Resources:

NEBGH’s Strengthening a Vaccination-Friendly Culture: https://online.flippingbook.com/view/765478790/WHO

Joint News Release with UNICEF: https://www.who.int/news/item/15-07-2025-global-childhood-vaccination-coverage-holds-steady-yet-over-14-million-infants-remain-unvaccinated-who-unicef

In recognition of Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, this special episode of NEBGH Voices features Kim Thiboldeaux in conversation with Doris Phildor Health Systems Director at the Alzheimer’s Association. Doris shares her personal journey into the field, explains the differences between Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, and underscores the importance of early diagnosis and screening. The episode explores risk factors—including genetics, lifestyle, and health disparities—along with promising new treatment options. Doris also highlights the vital role that employers can play in supporting caregivers in the workplace and offers valuable resources for employees and organizations alike. This timely discussion reminds us all of the steps we can take to support brain health and those impacted by Alzheimer’s.

In this special Mental Health Awareness Month episode of NEBGH Voices, Clare Miller, mental health strategy consultant at Workplace Mental Health, joins Sandi Stein, Global Head of Total Rewards at Brown Brothers Harriman, to explore how employers are driving real impact. From breaking stigma and addressing access barriers to integrating point solutions, this conversation offers practical strategies and powerful insights for HR and benefits leaders who want to go beyond checking the box.

NEBGH Voices is produced by: Deren Abrams, Adria Subbiondo, and Christian Waugh

On this episode, we welcome Dr. Gary Puckrein, President and CEO of the National Minority Quality Forum. Dr. Puckrein discusses “The Work at Hand" - the critical mission of reimagining our healthcare system for 2050 and beyond. He shares his perspective on leveraging medical advances to prevent diseases before they occur, from cardiovascular disease to cancer to rare diseases. Dr. Puckrein emphasizes that we have the capability to transform healthcare through collective effort and public will, highlighting the importance of aligning social determinants of health with individual biology to improve health outcomes in underserved communities. Recognizing National Minority Health Month, this conversation offers valuable guidance for employers on their role in supporting health equity and creating a more vibrant, inclusive healthcare system for all.

NEBGH Voices is produced by: Deren Abrams, Adria Subbiondo, and Christian Waugh

Women’s health is not just a healthcare issue—it’s a business priority. In this episode of NEBGH Voices, we sit down with Elizabeth Bailey, Managing Partner at Foreground Capital, to explore why investing in women’s health drives better outcomes for employees and employers alike. From market growth to workplace impact, tune in for expert insights on the future of women’s healthcare benefits and innovation.