What we heard at HLTH: Innovations employers need to know about 

If you weren’t one of the 12,000 people who gathered in Las Vegas this October to talk healthcare at the massive, frenetic HLTH conference – or even if you were – hang onto your hat as we run through our key takeaways for employers. As we raced from one event to the next, the overarching theme was clear: emerging technologies and evolving treatment methodologies are accelerating the transformation of the healthcare landscape. Of most immediate interest to employers, in our view, is how the integration of artificial intelligence, advancements in chronic condition management and a focus on equitable access to care will play pivotal roles in shaping the industry going forward. Here’s our take – in words and pictures – on what we learned.

Artificial intelligence

We can’t seem to talk about the future without mentioning AI, and neither could speakers at HLTH! While there is a lot of excitement around AI and Generative AI, there are relatively few demonstrable outcomes of applying GenAI in healthcare – the technology is still too new. Early signs of success can be found in administrative areas of healthcare, such as claims processing, billing and scheduling.

In our 2024 Voice of the CHRO survey nearly a quarter (23%) say HR is not involved at all in their organization’s AI initiative. Employers are encouraged to foster creative partnerships with internal IT teams to develop custom AI applications that can enhance HR and benefits management. This innovative approach could lead to more efficient processes and improved patient outcomes.

Emerging technologies creating opportunity for self-care

Smart hospital devices, AI-enabled monitoring programs and conversations on provider capacity were plentiful on the show floor at HLTH, highlighting that healthcare is increasingly shifting outside of traditional settings and more towards empowered self-care and care at home. A few observations that caught our attention:

• Wearable technology is evolving, with longer battery life, sophisticated design and novel biometric tracking methods. Some, like the Oura Ring are also now HSA/FSA eligible making health management more widely accessible.
• The home-testing market, currently valued at $5 billion annually and projected to nearly double by 2032, proves consumer interest in proactive health management is on the rise. At-home annual biometrics screening, including simple blood work, by vendors like Reperio might by a realistic avenue to broaden access without needing more physical physician capacity.
• Lasty, the integration of consumer technology into healthcare exemplifies how industry leaders outside the traditional ecosystem can enhance patient care. Apple received approval by the FDA for the first approved over the counter hearing aid (their AirPods Pro) and Meta announced a partnership with Be My Eyes adding accessibility features for the blind and low-sight community to their smart glasses in collaboration with Ray Ban.

Novel treatments for chronic disease and longevity

Much like AI, it seems we can’t get too far into a conversation on the future of healthcare without talking about GLP-1s and soaring pharmacy costs. Most interesting were the potential diversification of indicated uses, everything from Alzheimer’s to substance use, and how this class of medications might put a dent in the extremely high chronic condition burden in the US.

Below are some notable indicators on what might be next for chronic conditions other than GLP 1s:

• Mental health. Although the US Food and Drug Administration this year declined the first application for psychedelic -assisted therapy, the US Department of Veterans Affairs is already working on new trials to address some of the initial study concerns. Veterans are advocating for the life-changing impact this therapy can have on post-traumatic stress disorder and on complex PTSD, in particular. Boulder Care and Centene announced a value-based care arrangement that provides primarily substance use treatment but along with food, transportation and employment resources.
• Cancer. Conversations at HLTH focused on practical suggestions like lowering the age of screening and increasing early intervention but there was also hope AI could deliver on the promise of personalized cancer care. For example, analyzing medical records to better determine who needs what treatment and which patients can be monitored over time before intervention is needed. And for those that need treatment, AI may help with clinical decision support to identify the best treatment from the outset.
• The metabolic mind. You may have heard the phrase “you are what you eat” but did you know that what you eat could impact your brain? Important neurotransmitters are made in the gut, and conversation at the event underscored the potential role of dietary interventions on mental health conditions like schizophrenia and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Food really can be medicine.

The wrap-up

HLTH brings together the full range of healthcare industry stakeholders — health systems, health insurers, public health entities, researchers, tech innovators. That’s one of its great values although the experience of HLTH can be like drinking from the proverbial firehose. Amidst all the hubbub, we kept top of mind the fact that employers provide health coverage for 60% of people in the US under the age of 65 and that their decisions play a critical role in shaping the healthcare system. Innovative solutions are constantly coming to market and as we enter into strategy and planning season now is the time for employers to plan for the future and use their influence to inform the creation of a higher quality, more transparent healthcare market for all.