Meet Our Access Experience Team: Barbara Henry, RPh

At Precision AQ, we know that navigating patient access challenges requires more than data — it takes real-world expertise. That’s why we’ve launched our Meet Our Access Experience Team series, introducing the industry insiders who help life science companies anticipate payer challenges, optimize access strategies, and accelerate time to therapy.

Meet Barbara Henry, RPh, Vice President of the Access Experience Team at Precision AQ.  Let’s hear from Barbara.

Q&A with Barbara Henry

Q: Can you share a bit about your background and areas of specialty?
I bring nearly 30 years of experience in the managed care payer industry, with deep expertise in commercial and exchange lines of business. My background spans pharmacy benefit, medical benefit, and health plan operations, including formulary development, utilization management, and comprehensive cost savings initiatives.

Q: Where did you work prior to Precision AQ?

Prior to joining Precision, I led clinical pharmacy operations at Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, where I managed specialty pharmacy and PBM relationships, served as administrator of the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee, and spearheaded the development of value-based contracts and innovative payment models.

Q: What unique perspectives do you bring to ensuring patient access?
I offer a unique perspective shaped by nearly 30 years in managed care, where I’ve worked at the intersection of clinical pharmacy, payer strategy, and health plan operations at a patient-centric health plan. Additionally, my experience in building value-based contracts and innovative payment models has resulted in a deep understanding of how to align incentives across stakeholders. This allows me to craft strategies that are not only innovative but also actionable, ensuring patients can access the therapies they need in a timely and sustainable way.

Q: Which healthcare trends aren’t getting enough attention?
One trend in healthcare that is not getting the attention it needs is the growing affordability crisis. While it receives fragmented attention, it’s a systemic issue that affects access, equity, and long-term sustainability across the U.S. healthcare system. Undoubtedly, medical innovation is accelerating, leading to transformative treatments in areas like obesity, cell/gene therapy, and personalized medicine.

However, the infrastructure to deliver these breakthroughs equitably and affordably is struggling to keep pace. Rising insurance premiums and pressure on employer-sponsored coverage are widening the gap between what is medically possible and what is financially accessible. As innovation continues to evolve, we must also ensure these advances are accessible to all who will benefit. Addressing affordability alongside innovation is essential to realizing the full promise of modern medicine.

Q: Which trends will reshape healthcare in the next 1–3 years?

In addition to ongoing policy and regulatory changes, technological innovation is reshaping healthcare across clinical, operational, and patient engagement areas. AI and automation are expected to improve efficiency across clinical decision-making and administrative workflows, helping address anticipated workforce shortages and reduce burnout. Furthermore, growing adoption of digital health tools will support telehealth, behavioral health integration, and remote patient monitoring, which can improve access and expand reach to patients.

Another thing to watch is that as the generations that have grown up with technology, Millennials and Gen Z, become greater consumers of healthcare services, there will be increased demand for digital first, personalized care experiences. 

Q: What are you most passionate about in healthcare? 

My passion lies at the intersection of innovation, affordability, and patient access, with “patient” always at the center. I believe every advancement in healthcare should serve the patient, and I’m deeply frustrated when system complexities make insurance hard to understand, and care and medication difficult to access. Whether it’s leveraging technology to streamline care, designing systems that reduce financial barriers, or reimagining access models, I’m most energized when these efforts converge to create meaningful, equitable experiences for patients.  

Q: What do you enjoy most about working at Precision AQ?
Each day brings new challenges and opportunities to learn, and I’m truly grateful to be part of a collaborative team that brings deep expertise and a shared passion for solving the complexities of market access. 

Q: What should life science organizations prioritize in innovation?
In this complex healthcare landscape, success depends on aligning stakeholders across the ecosystem. To drive meaningful innovation, improve patient outcomes, and meet the evolving demands of market access, life science organizations must prioritize cross-disciplinary collaboration. 

About Precision AQ’s Access Experience Team

Precision AQ’s Access Experience Team (AET), originally launched in 2009, was created to bridge the gap between life sciences companies and key access decision-makers. Today, AET offers deep insight into payer and provider dynamics, helping clients navigate the full spectrum of access challenges.

Comprising more than 25 former decision-makers from prominent managed care organizations, specialty pharmacies, health plans, and provider settings, the AET brings firsthand experience to reimbursement barriers, evolving policies, and real-world care delivery.

Want to connect? Reach out to barbara.henry@precisionaq.com.