Addressing the rising impact of cancer in the workplace

Cancer has touched every workplace in some way. Companies employ people with cancer, as well as cancer survivors. Other employees may have a hereditary risk of cancer or be taking care of a loved one with the disease. 

Cancer care is advancing quickly, using innovative science and technology to deliver targeted, personalized treatment. The clinical complexity of cancer care, however, is stressful for individuals and remains a large financial burden for employers.

According to the American Cancer Society, 40% of adults will develop cancer in their lifetimes. This number includes a growing number of younger people in the U.S. workforce.¹  

Cancer remains one of our most critical opportunities to improve quality, survival, and cost through prevention, early detection, andadvancing quality care.

Highmark is addressing challenges in cancer care with a strategic alliance. Our oncology value-based care, powered by Evolent, launched on May 1, 2026, for fully insured clients and on January 1, 2027, for self-funded clients. 

What collaboration withEvolent means for Highmark members

Cancer care rarely involves a single medication or clinical intervention. Multidrug treatments and combination therapies are common across many diagnoses. People with cancer may also see more than one provider. The oncology valued-based care program addresses this reality.

The program takes a structured clinical approach to treatment. Evidence-based treatment regimens guide oncologists toward the most effective therapies based on cancer type and stage, as well as genetic markers and other patient-specific characteristics. Consultation and collaboration ensure the best and most effective cancer treatment is provided through direct oncologist-to-oncologist and pharmacist support.

"Cancer care stands as a critical and inherently complex domain, significantly impacting the lives of our members," remarks Tracy Saula, senior vice president, chief product and experience officer, Highmark Health. "Our collaboration with Evolent empowers us to swiftly deploy a proven, comprehensive model, guaranteeing the highest quality, most appropriate, and cost-effective care for the people we serve."

Streamlining oncology treatment with evidence-based pathways 

Oncology value-based care addresses 99% of cancers, with a focus on evidence-based clinical pathways that guide treatment options. Evolent equips providers in our  network with sophisticated, easy-to-use clinical decision tools to guide individualized, high-efficacy, and lower-toxicitytreatment options directly at the point of care.

This effort aligns clinical excellence and provider support for an integrated, value-added approach. Plus, using pathway-aligned regimens enables streamlined authorizations for providers, which means less administrative burden and faster care for members.

"We are honored to collaborate with a world-class organization like Highmark," said Evolent CEO and Co-Founder Seth Blackley." With over 1,300 clinicians, Evolent is  focused on working with oncologists at Allegheny Health Network and across the Highmark network to make sure patients receive cancer therapies reflecting the very best, evidence-based care. The science of cancer is changing very quickly, with hundreds of studies published every month, and part of our role is to bring the latest and best medical evidence into the cancer journeys of all patients."

Oncology value-based care improves outcomes and experience

Employers who leverage or opt in to Highmark oncology value-based care can have greater confidence in their employees' cancer treatment. Evidence-based practices reduce variations in care and promote greater value, such as:

• Improved clinical and quality outcomes.
• Better provider experiences and engagement.
• Proactive use of established clinical pathways.
• Improved quality of life for a better member experience.

Differentiators of this approach include a robust clinical review and peer-to-peer process. Oncologists and oncology subspecialists conduct all clinical reviews, ensuring oncologist-to-oncologist collaboration.

"Evolent offers an approximately 98% approval rate for oncology care," says Timothy Law, DO, MBA. Law is chief medical officer and vice president of integrated care delivery at Highmark. "We anticipate approvals within 24 hours of treatment plan submission."

"This approval rate is due to early provider engagement and proactive clinical redirection based on evidence-based oncology pathways and policies. By getting care right the first time, we seek to avoid denials altogether," Dr. Law explains. "We ensure that our members get the most effective care at the right time without any delays in access."

Ready to learn more about oncology value-based care, powered by Evolent? Contact your Highmark account manager or employee health care insurance broker.

Helpful links

Employee Cancer Screening

Employees With Cancer

Cancer Care Benefits

Value in Cancer Care

_{All references to “Highmark” in this communication are references to Highmark Inc., an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, and/or to one or more of its affiliated Blue companies.}

_{Evolent is a separate company that provides oncology utilization management services.}