Pilot Proposal Guides
Guidance on structuring and proposing controlled pilot programs for managed GLP-1 containment.
Overview
Pilot programs provide controlled validation of managed tapering protocols before full-scale deployment. A well-structured pilot produces decision-ready data that supports program authorization while managing organizational risk.
Opportunity Qualification
Not every client is immediately suited for a pilot program. The following qualification criteria help identify clients where success is most likely.
Ideal Pilot Candidates
- ✓Existing GLP-1 spend concern: Client has already identified GLP-1 costs as growing problem.
- ✓Decision-maker access: Clear path to benefit decision-maker (CFO, VP Benefits, Committee).
- ✓Sufficient population: GLP-1 utilizer count can support statistically meaningful pilot.
- ✓Pilot-friendly timeline: Benefits renewal or budget cycle allows pilot evaluation.
Disqualifying Factors
- ✗No GLP-1 coverage: Client not currently covering GLP-1 medications.
- ✗Active litigation: Pending benefits-related litigation creates complexity.
- ✗Recent major change: Significant benefits restructure within last 12 months.
- ✗Union complexity: Multiple unions with divergent benefit requirements.
Pilot Scoping
Pilots are scoped based on several dimensions. The partnerships team works with advisors to develop appropriate parameters for each engagement.
Population Parameters
Pilot population is typically defined by current GLP-1 utilizers meeting eligibility criteria for managed tapering protocols.
- • Eligible utilizer count and expected participation
- • Geographic or divisional scope if applicable
- • Exclusion criteria for clinical appropriateness
Duration and Timeline
Standard pilot duration is 6 months, with measurement continuing beyond active intervention period to capture sustained outcomes.
- • Kickoff and enrollment period
- • Active intervention period
- • Measurement and reporting period
Success Metrics
Success metrics are defined upfront and agreed upon before pilot initiation to ensure objective evaluation.
- • Primary: Cost containment relative to baseline
- • Secondary: Program engagement and completion rates
- • Safety: Clinical outcomes and adverse event monitoring
Proposal Development
Pilot proposals are developed collaboratively between advisors and the partnerships team. The following elements are typically included.
Executive Summary
Problem statement, proposed approach, and expected outcomes in one page.
Cost Exposure Analysis
Client-specific GLP-1 cost trajectory and containment opportunity sizing.
Clinical Protocol Overview
Non-clinical summary of managed tapering approach for benefits decision-makers.
Implementation Plan
Timeline, milestones, responsibilities, and coordination requirements.
Measurement Framework
Success criteria, reporting cadence, and decision points.
Kickoff Coordination
Successful pilot launches require coordination across multiple stakeholder groups. The partnerships team provides implementation coordination throughout the kickoff phase.
Pre-Launch
- • Data feed configuration and testing
- • Member communication preparation
- • Exception handling process alignment
Launch Phase
- • Program enrollment activation
- • Initial engagement monitoring
- • Escalation path confirmation
Ongoing Oversight
- • Regular status reporting
- • Issue resolution coordination
- • Mid-pilot review and adjustment
Evaluation
- • Outcome analysis and reporting
- • Success criteria evaluation
- • Expansion recommendation
Ready to discuss a pilot proposal or need help with proposal development?
Contact Pilot Team