GLP-1 Agonists Disrupting Diabetes Adherence Quality Measures

Walgreens GLP-1 results in partnership with AllazoHealth

Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists are a class of drugs indicated for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity. Certain chemicals in the GLP-1 receptor agonists class are co-indicated for the treatment of diabetes and weight management, although under different brand names.

Medicare Part-D payers’ diabetes adherence metrics matter

As GLP-1 receptor agonist brands are increasingly being used for weight loss purposes, Walgreens noted disruptions to Medicare Part-D payers’ diabetes adherence metrics in 2022; this effect may be due to the fact that use of any drug for differing indications can lead to dosing and course of therapy irregularities.

Medication adherence as a critical component in insurers’ performance

Over the past decade, CMS has viewed medication adherence as a critical component in a health insurer’s performance; insurers in turn use performance-based financial incentives to leverage pharmacies to assist in cultivating adherence amongst payer member diabetic patients.

Data-driven insights on GLP-1 monotherapy subpopulation of patients

Walgreens, in partnership with AllazoHealth, investigated the disruptions to Medicare Part-D payers’ diabetes adherence metrics in 2022.

When considering GLP-1 monotherapy as a proxy for off-indication usage of GLP-1 class drugs, this study shows strong impacts to the diabetes adherence quality measures for three major Medicare Part D payers in 2022. This was due to the growing patient proportions and poor adherence for the GLP-1 monotherapy subpopulation of patients.

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