Three out of four patients stopped taking their GLP-1 within a year of filling their first prescription even at the lowest cost tier, but researchers saw a significant drop-off around the $75 mark, according to a study published in JAMA Health Forum that analyzed compliance among 8,914 patients with insurance through over a year and a half.
When monthly out-of-pocket costs exceeded this amount, nonadherence rose to more than 80%, said study author Eunhae Shin, an assistant professor at the Department of Health Policy and Management at the University of Georgia.
The study suggests that, against the background of already low adherents, higher out-of-pocket costs are associated with an additional decline.
Shin said cost is one of many reasons that patients or the clinicians to stop medications for obesity. Others include side effects or changes in insurance benefits and access to medication.
“I think the remaining question is who is going to then bear the cost?” Shin said. “Should that be insurer or should that be employer or should be the government?”
Shin added that if policymakers, regulators and insurance companies’ goal is to improve medication adherence and have as many people benefit from these drugs as possible, they should start thinking about how to restructure out-of-pocket costs and insurance design.
