Diabetes Management

Elixir Diabetes Management Will Reduce Costs & Improve Outcomes

As the top driver of traditional drug spend for the Elixir book of business, we are launching a comprehensive program to manage diabetes. Our program is estimated to reduce spend within the affected drug classes by 15% and will improve overall health for patients trying to manage this costly disease. This program is optional but provides a great opportunity to improve health for your members, while reducing overall plan costs.

Diabetes is an important therapeutic class for a targeted care program because there is a high prevalence of the disease and the cost of care is high.

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14% of Total Rx Spend

Diabetes represents 14% of the total drug spend and 20% of the non-specialty spend1. In addition, medical costs for people with diabetes are twice as high as those without.

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Higher Health Risks

The risk of death is 50% higher for people with diabetes. In addition, people with diabetes have a higher risk of serious health complications including blindness, kidney failure, heart disease, stroke and/or loss of toes, feet or legs.

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95% are Type 2

Approximately one out of every eleven people have diabetes. Type 1 affects 5% of all diagnosed cases and happens when the body does not make enough insulin. Type 2 is when the body cannot use insulin properly. Type 2 diabetes is highly treatable with medication and diet.

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8 Rx's per Month

The average diabetic will take approximately 2 medications daily related to managing diabetes and 6 medications to manage other diseases, for a total of 8 medications. The more medications a member takes, the higher the risk of non-adherance and overall increase in health plan costs.

 


The more medications a person takes, the less likely they are to be adherent, thereby increasing their risk of complications. These complications result in increased health care costs.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has found that more than 80% of all individuals with diabetes do not follow their physician’s advice on diabetes management. One of the top reasons is the lack of knowledge about diabetes and pre-diabetes. Consequently, helping patients get the education they need is essential. And, to ensure all clients have an opportunity, Elixir is launching our diabetes management program at no additional cost. 

Our program includes formulary management, preferred product programs, free glucometer as well as member education programs to increase adherance, reduce costs and ensure a healthier employee base. For more information call us at 800-771-4648.

 

1 Calculated across Elixir's book of business as of September 2016