A self-funded religious organization was receiving a renewal that included a significant laser on a member. The individual had been diagnosed with a chronic disease and was to undergo recurring treatment at a high cost and inconvenient location. The group asked BPA for help assessing healthcare treatment options.

The member had been diagnosed with Fabry disease, a rare genetic disorder that prevents the body from producing an enzyme that breaks down the fat GL-3. Fabry disease causes serious problems including chronic pain, problems with eyesight, hearing loss, and kidney damage that worsens overtime. The member had been receiving treatment via a monthly Fabrazyme infusion that reduced the buildup of GL-3 in the body, but the infusion was $30k per month and the member was required to travel to the Mayo Clinic in person.

BPA conducted a thorough review of claims and plan spend as part of its ongoing commitment to optimizing client benefit plans. During the analysis, we identified both the pain point of member travel to the clinic, and the opportunity to reduce the cost of the Fabrazyme infusion. We reached out to a specialty pharmacy provider and negotiated a 10 percent discount through an infusion nurse network. In addition, the treatment would be delivered by a nurse at the member’s home.

By utilizing the BPA network, we were able to simultaneously reduce costs and enhance the experience for the member. The employer saved over $30k annually in infusion treatments, effectively getting one treatment for free each year. On top of these savings the employer was able to eliminate the laser. Most importantly, the member’s intensive treatment was simplified and made more accessible, eliminating the time and cost associated with travel and increasing consistency in monthly care.