More plan members are taking expensive obesity and diabetes related drugs like Ozempic and Monjaro raising prescription drug spend for plan sponsors to unsustainable levels.
It is going to get worse.
In a study concluded in 2020 it was determined only 9% were taking GLP-1 medications. That number jumped to 30% in 2024 and is expected to go to 60% in 2026. Researchers estimate that number will increase even further to as high as 82% of Americans with type 2 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes is one of the few foreseeable challenges that is increasing healthcare costs. It’s tough to plan for unexpected cancer treatments that hit a health plan each year, but the expenses of type 2 diabetes can be planned AND decreased with a proper plan sponsored remission program like the Type 2 Diabetes Remission Program For The Lower Rio Grande Valley.
Taking GLP-1 medications alone is not a viable solution. A high percentage of members taking these expensive medications quit taking them within a year, wasting thousands of dollars that could have remained with the plan for the benefit of all plan members.
A well managed type 2 diabetes and obesity program has proven to be an effective method towards a healthier work force. As much as a 60% diabetes 2 remission rate can be achieved resulting in lower drug spend and less medical expenses associated with diabetes related illness. Statistics show the average annual cost for plan members with diabetes 2 exceeds $20,000.
Plan sponsors have four choices when it comes to GLP-1 drugs:
- Continue to cover these drugs for anyone who takes them
- Continue to cover these drugs for diabetes-1 plan members only
- Continue to cover these drugs for participants in a diabetes/obesity managed program only
- Discontinue covering all GLP-1 drugs
What does a diabetes / obesity managed program cost? The better question is “What does it cost to not have one?”
