🩺 Insights: Pulse of the Purchaser 2025
— North Carolina vs. National Trends
North Carolina employers played an active role in this year’s Pulse of the Purchaser Survey, and their responses closely align with national findings—while revealing areas where our state’s employers are leading the way.
Shared Priorities Across the U.S.
Nationwide, drug prices, hospital costs, and high-cost claims remain the top three threats to healthcare affordability—identical to what North Carolina employers identified.
90% of employers nationally and nearly 80% in North Carolina say rising healthcare costs directly impact their competitiveness.
Employers across the country view health and wellbeing benefits as essential to attracting and retaining employees (96% nationally, 79% in NC).
Where North Carolina Employers Stand Out
Advanced Primary Care adoption: 70% of NC employers are already doing or considering APC strategies—well above the national average.
Transparency & fiduciary focus: NC employers show strong emphasis on data ownership (60%), auditing PBM contracts (64%), and promoting biosimilars (90%), meeting or exceeding national benchmarks.
Mental health & women’s health leadership: 100% of NC respondents confirmed mental health parity compliance, and over 75% offer maternity and gynecological support—ahead of national averages.
Equity focus: Most NC employers continue or are expanding their health equity efforts, reflecting the broader national trend where over 70% now survey employees on access, quality, and experience.
Key Takeaway
Both nationally and here in North Carolina, employers are taking a more assertive role in addressing healthcare costs through data transparency, PBM reform, and Advanced Primary Care, while strengthening commitments to employee wellbeing, equity, and value-based care.
Join the Pulse of the Purchaser Research Institute (PPRI)
The National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions recently launched the Pulse of the Purchaser Research Institute (PPRI) — a panel of experts who participate in periodic research activities to help shape the future of employer-sponsored healthcare.
PPRI offers a flexible, confidential, and high-impact way for employer leaders to share insights through interviews, surveys, or panel discussions — based on your interest and availability.
Why Join?
Participate only in projects aligned with your expertise
Shape policy and practice by sharing real-world employer perspectives
Build visibility and professional development in the field
Choose flexible involvement — opt into activities as your schedule allows
Maintain confidentiality — input is always de-identified and secure
Strengthen your coalition — participation brings funding back to NCBCH
Your experience and voice are essential to improving healthcare value.