Research and Reports

HPA tracks the trends, analyzes the data, and examines the systems shaping healthcare costs in Maine. Our reports span population health analytics, emerging cost drivers like GLP-1s, and deep dives into the financial performance of Maine's major health systems — giving plan sponsors the full picture.

A person standing on a digital scale with white socks, holding a blue insulin pen or medication injector.

Person holding their stomach in discomfort during a consultation with a healthcare professional.

Hospital direction sign with various locations and services listed, including patient and visitor parking, ambulance drop off, main entrance, minor injuries unit, GP out of hours service, recreation hall, and deliveries, with a hospital building in the background and parked cars nearby.

GLP-1 Medications Population Report

GLP-1 medications are one of the fastest-growing cost drivers in employer-sponsored health plans — and the decisions employers make about coverage today will have significant financial implications for years to come. This report examines GLP-1 utilization trends across the HPA Book of Business, models the potential cost impact of covering these medications for weight loss, and outlines a range of strategies employers can consider to manage costs and utilization while supporting their members. HPA data members receive a customized version of this report populated with their own plan data, benchmarked against the HPA Book of Business.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease Population Report

Inflammatory Bowel Disease affects a small but high-cost segment of most employer health plans, with affected members averaging five times the claims cost of those without the condition. This report benchmarks IBD prevalence, spending, and quality of care indicators against the HPA Book of Business, and offers practical guidance for plan sponsors on how to better support members with IBD while managing medical and pharmacy costs more effectively. HPA data members receive a customized version of this report populated with their own plan data, benchmarked against the HPA Book of Business.

Fair Price Health Systems Engagement Playbook: Overview and Analysis of Maine Health System Financials

Hospital services account for nearly half of all costs in employer-sponsored health plans — making a clear understanding of health system finances essential for employers and policymakers working to address rising costs. This report presents an in-depth financial analysis of Maine's four largest health systems, examining each within the broader context of its parent organization. HPA found that three of the four systems are facing financial strain, with only MaineHealth in a strong financial position. In addition to the Maine-specific findings, the report includes practical tools that purchasers in any market can use to conduct a similar analysis, including a step-by-step financial evaluation guide and an interactive worksheet.

This analysis is based on publicly available financial data and is intended solely for informational purposes. HPA has no financial relationship with any of the health systems reviewed and presents these findings as an objective resource for Maine employers and policymakers.