What's Happening?
A recent study by Aon analyzed healthcare claims for over 50 million individuals, including approximately 192,000 users of GLP-1 medications, over a period of 30 months. The study found that diabetics using GLP-1s experienced a 6% lower growth in medical
costs compared to those not using these medications. High adherence to the medication regimen, around 80%, correlated with a 9% reduction in medical cost growth. Additionally, GLP-1 users had fewer hospitalizations for major adverse cardiovascular events. The study also highlighted a significant reduction in the incidence of ovarian and breast cancer among women using GLP-1s. Despite these benefits, only 23% of employers currently cover GLP-1s, prompting Aon to recommend integrating coverage with adherence and wellbeing programs to maximize value.
Why It's Important?
The findings of this study are significant for employers and healthcare policymakers as they highlight the potential for GLP-1 medications to reduce long-term healthcare costs and improve health outcomes. By lowering the incidence of serious health events and certain cancers, these medications can decrease absenteeism and disability, ultimately benefiting both employees and employers. The study suggests that while the upfront cost of GLP-1s is high, the long-term savings and health benefits could outweigh these initial expenses. This could influence more employers to consider covering these medications as part of their healthcare benefits, potentially leading to broader access for patients.
What's Next?
Employers may begin to reevaluate their healthcare benefits strategies in light of this study, potentially increasing coverage for GLP-1 medications. This could involve developing comprehensive programs that include adherence support and lifestyle management to ensure the effectiveness of the medication. Additionally, there may be increased advocacy for policy changes to make these medications more accessible and affordable, addressing the current barrier of high costs.
