Much more than pharmacy benefits – the Optum whole-person care focus

Optum Workers’ Comp and Auto No-Fault is well known as a leader in pharmacy benefit management. Our URAC-accredited program delivers innovative cost-saving solutions that move beyond the traditional per-transaction approach of savings from a single prescription to a holistic approach focused on both cost savings and the health and safety of injured persons. At the heart of the Optum Workers’ Comp and Auto No-Fault mission lies a dual commitment: delivering improved health outcomes for injured individuals while also ensuring stronger financial results for our clients. For us, achieving both is not only possible — it’s essential. Our strategy focuses on generating a positive trend in savings across a range of products and services, all underpinned by a whole-person care approach.

As Dionne Lacey Artis, Chief Business Officer, explains: “We want to help our clients grow their business. That’s why we regularly host ‘innovation sessions,’ which are structured listening sessions where we engage directly with clients to uncover the challenges they’re facing. Knowing that markets can shift quickly, we hold these sessions at least once or twice a year. Our clients’ needs are not static, so new approaches and adaptable solutions are critical. By working collaboratively, we’re able to recommend targeted, strategic solutions that solve real problems and add measurable value.”

Much of our work focuses on compassionate, whole-person care for injured individuals, but we also want to provide the best solutions for our clients’ employees. This includes reducing workload burdens by streamlining complex processes, simplifying tasks, and helping them operate more quickly and effectively.

That’s why we take a whole-person, interconnected care approach. We look beyond symptoms to consider the full spectrum of an injured worker’s needs and create a collaborative plan that supports recovery in every dimension.

And there’s tremendous value in connecting the dots from the perspective of the injured individual. Consider Joseph*, who is suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome in both hands and can no longer perform his job tasks. It’s not enough to simply secure a discounted rate on his pain medication. A comprehensive, aligned approach makes sure that every aspect of Joseph’s recovery — from pharmacy coordination to access to wrist braces to investigation of minimally invasive surgery options — is streamlined and supports a full return to work on the fastest timeline possible.

This level of care coordination is central to our mission and is at the core of our current offerings. It is also woven throughout our roadmap for the future. Our goal is clear: to help injured individuals recover faster, return to work or function sooner, and achieve the best possible clinical outcomes.

*Name has been changed to protect privacy

We are launching programs that communicate this emphasis. As Matt Wolfe, CEO, puts it, “For injured persons, our message is clear and simple: We’re here to help. Based on your compensable needs — whether we’re coordinating your medications, ensuring timely delivery of medications to your homes, or making sure your supply needs are filled accurately and received promptly — we’re focused on supporting your recovery at every step.”

When we listen deeply to our client partners, respond thoughtfully, and act collaboratively, we not only solve problems, we also unlock potential. Our smart, integrated solutions are designed to manage costs, improve care outcomes, and support long-term financial sustainability. By aligning incentives and leveraging our full network capabilities, we’re redefining what it means to care — for the whole person and the bottom line.

Learn more

Do you want to hear more about how Optum Workers’ Comp and Auto No-Fault can create a solution for your organization by aligning programs that deliver whole person care and effective cost management? Contact us at expectmore@optum.com.