A study conducted by researchers at Harvard University’s Pilgrim Healthcare Institute found that reducing out-of-pocket costs for people with diabetes, especially those with low incomes, can lead to improved health outcomes. Published in the February 9, 2023 issue JAMA Health Foruma study titled “Acute Diabetes Complications After Transitioning to Value-Based Medication Benefits,” shows the impact of drug cost reductions on diabetes management.
Diabetes requires consistent treatment with antidiabetic, antihypertensive, and lipid-lowering drugs to reduce acute complications such as bacterial infections, neurovascular events, acute coronary artery disease, and diabetic ketoacidosis. However, according to last year’s survey, the out-of-pocket costs are high. American Managed Care Journal. This is especially true for people with limited financial resources, who suffer from poor health due to adherence to prescribed medication regimens.
To address this issue, some employers are implementing preventive drug lists (PDLs) in their insurance plans to help enrollees access essential medications with lower copays. Researchers conducted a comprehensive analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of PDL in improving health outcomes for people with diabetes.
This study analyzed data from a national cohort of commercial health plan enrollees with diabetes between the ages of 12 and 64. Researchers observed significant differences in drug use and acute diabetes complications when comparing members whose employers adopted her PDL with those whose employers did not. After implementing the PDL, members saw an increase in antidiabetic drug use and an overall 8.4% reduction in the number of preventable diabetes complication days. Notably, people in low-income areas had a 10.2% reduction in complication days compared to the control group.
Researchers say this study provides compelling evidence that reducing medication costs can lead to measurable improvements in health outcomes, especially for vulnerable populations facing economic constraints. He said he is doing so.
While previous studies have investigated the impact of reduced drug costs on various health parameters, this study explores the potential benefits of value-based drug benefits for patients with chronic conditions such as diabetes. By demonstrating this, new insights were gained. The results highlight the importance of targeted interventions to reduce the economic burden and improve overall health and well-being among low-income people. Researchers say that by implementing strategies that reduce out-of-pocket costs, employers and policy makers can contribute to improved health outcomes and preventable complications, especially among economically disadvantaged populations. It is said that it can reduce the burden of disease.
The study was first published in Health Economics.