GLP-1 therapies are transforming pharmacy benefits, and Express Scripts is leading the way. Harold Carter, PharmD, SVP of Trade Relations, joins host Eric Glazer to discuss how one of the nation’s largest PBMs is navigating this disruptive moment in healthcare.

Harold shares how Express Scripts is:

• Capping costs of GLP-1 therapies to expand patient access while keeping plan spending predictable.
  
  

• Redesigning funding models to strike a balance between affordability, predictability, and outcomes.
  
  

• Leveraging digital tools and AI to reduce friction in the member experience and support long-term adherence.
  
  

• Rethinking formularies not just as cost-control tools but as part of a broader population health and behavioral change ecosystem.

You’ll also hear his forward-looking perspective on how PBMs will evolve over the next three to five years, and the key questions health plans and employers should be asking today to prepare for the future of pharmacy benefits.

About Dr. Harold Carter:

Harold Carter, PharmD, is responsible for leading all interactions and contracting with pharmaceutical manufacturers and oversees strategy and management of Express Scripts’ drug formularies, data & insights, client underwriting, and product strategy and development. In his nearly 14 years with the organization, Harold has held numerous leadership roles oriented around critical efforts to lower the cost of prescription drugs and ensuring medication access for Express Scripts clients and members. Harold’s previous responsibilities include oversight of the organization’s medical pharma contracting and drug procurement teams, as well as leading the strategy, development and execution of Express Scripts’ wholesale market, value-based solutions and generic strategy, and development of Express Scripts’ advanced utilization management solutions.

In addition to his work at Express Scripts, Harold serves on numerous boards including LifeWise Stl Board of Directors, St. Louis University High School Board of Trustees and IVI Board of Directors. Harold earned his doctorate in pharmacy from St. Louis College of Pharmacy.

Partner with Bright Spots Ventures:
If you are interested in speaking with the Bright Spots Ventures team to brainstorm how we can help you grow your business via content and relationships, email hkrish@brightspotsventures.com

About Bright Spots Ventures:

Bright Spots Ventures is a healthcare strategy and engagement company that creates content, communities, and connections to accelerate innovation.

We help healthcare leaders discover what’s working, and how to scale it. By bringing together health plan, hospital, and solution leaders, we facilitate the exchange of ideas that lead to measurable impact. Through our podcast, executive councils, private events, and go-to-market strategy work, we surface and amplify the “bright spots” in healthcare, proven innovations others can learn from and replicate. At our core, we exist to create trusted relationships that make real progress possible. Visit our website at www.brightspotsinhealthcare.com.

In Part Two of our special HLTH 2025 series, Bright Spots in Healthcare host Eric Glazer continues his conversation with Rich Scarfo, President of HLTH, to explore how the event has become a true growth engine for healthcare solution providers.

Rich shares why HLTH is more than a conference - it’s a platform intentionally designed to foster meaningful connections, drive measurable ROI, and accelerate innovation across the ecosystem. He breaks down how Market Connect and Investor Connect differ from traditional conference networking, best practices for making the most of those high-value 15-minute meetings, and strategies for effective follow-up that turn introductions into lasting partnerships.

You’ll also hear how HLTH creates an environment that blends serious business with immersive, memorable experiences ensuring that startups, investors, payers, and providers leave with actionable opportunities.

With HLTH 2025 taking place October 19–22 in Las Vegas, this episode is a must-listen for solution providers and innovators looking to maximize their presence and impact at the year’s most influential healthcare event.

Resources:

Take a look at what’s in store at HLTH 2025 - https://hlth.com/events/usa

Attend HLTH using discount code H25_BSV for $250 off the General Attendee ticket - https://hlth.com/events/usa/register/

Partner with Bright Spots Ventures:
If you are interested in speaking with the Bright Spots Ventures team to brainstorm how we can help you grow your business via content and relationships, email hkrish@brightspotsventures.com

About Bright Spots Ventures:

Bright Spots Ventures is a healthcare strategy and engagement company that creates content, communities, and connections to accelerate innovation.

We help healthcare leaders discover what’s working, and how to scale it. By bringing together health plan, hospital, and solution leaders, we facilitate the exchange of ideas that lead to measurable impact. Through our podcast, executive councils, private events, and go-to-market strategy work, we surface and amplify the “bright spots” in healthcare, proven innovations others can learn from and replicate. At our core, we exist to create trusted relationships that make real progress possible. Visit our website at www.brightspotsinhealthcare.com.

In this first episode of a special two-part series, Bright Spots in Healthcare host Eric Glazer sits down with Rich Scarfo, President of HLTH, to explore how one of the most influential healthcare events in the world continues to evolve.

With HLTH 2025 taking place this October 19–22 in Las Vegas, Rich reveals what’s new this year—from immersive zones on AI and diagnostics, to physician and nurse engagement programs, to the expanded startup pavilions and Investor Connect opportunities. He also shares a blueprint for payers, providers, pharma, and innovators on how to get the most value out of their time at HLTH, including can’t-miss sessions, networking strategies, and hidden gems across the show floor.

Whether you’re a health plan executive, provider leader, startup founder, or healthcare innovator, this episode offers a practical guide to navigating HLTH 2025 and turning conversations into action.

Stay tuned for Part Two, where the discussion shifts to how HLTH serves as a growth engine for solution providers.

Resources:

Take a look at what’s in store at HLTH 2025 - https://hlth.com/events/usa

Attend HLTH using discount code H25_BSV for $250 off the General Attendee ticket - https://hlth.com/events/usa/register/

Partner with Bright Spots Ventures:
If you are interested in speaking with the Bright Spots Ventures team to brainstorm how we can help you grow your business via content and relationships, email hkrish@brightspotsventures.com

About Bright Spots Ventures:

Bright Spots Ventures is a healthcare strategy and engagement company that creates content, communities, and connections to accelerate innovation.

We help healthcare leaders discover what’s working, and how to scale it. By bringing together health plan, hospital, and solution leaders, we facilitate the exchange of ideas that lead to measurable impact. Through our podcast, executive councils, private events, and go-to-market strategy work, we surface and amplify the “bright spots” in healthcare, proven innovations others can learn from and replicate. At our core, we exist to create trusted relationships that make real progress possible. Visit our website at www.brightspotsinhealthcare.com.