Managing the cost of GLP-1s and delivering better outcomes

Oct 28, 2024

It is no secret that demand for GLP-1s to treat obesity has surged–and it isn’t expected to slow down any time soon.

GLP-1s are also currently being evaluated for the treatment of heart disease, neurological conditions, and sleep apnea, among other indications. As a result, GLP-1 claims are expected to grow 20% annually and reach $133 billion worldwide by the end of the decade.

Weight loss prescriptions have become the single biggest driver of employer health costs and payers are still developing best practices for managing the cost of GLP-1s.

In order to control spend and improve member health, organizations should consider that GLP-1s alone are not enough to manage weight loss.

To foster lasting change and lower costs for everyone, payers should consider holistic approaches to weight loss and wellness, such as:

  • Personalized Patient Support: Consumers need access to tailored feedback and educational resources to help them understand the proper use of GLP-1s, manage side effects, and adhere to their treatment plans.
  • Real-Time Data Insights: With a data-driven approach, healthcare providers can monitor patient progress in real time, allowing for interventions and adjustments to treatment plans, and better overall outcomes.
  • Improved Adherence and Engagement: To engage members in their health–and encourage treatment adherence–payers should offer tools that remind patients to take their medications, track their health metrics, and provide motivational support
  • Seamless Integration: In today’s technology-driven world, consumers are more likely to respond to tools that integrate with existing apps and routines.

A holistic, technology-driven approach to weight loss provides a win-win for payers and consumers. It can also serve as a model for the management of other chronic conditions and further innovation.

While GLP-1s are certainly shaking up the industry, they are also providing an opportunity to accelerate the delivery of seamless and personalized healthcare. And, at Abarca, we believe that it is time for payers and PBMs to work together to make it a reality.

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