In April 2023, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) expanded continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) coverage to people with diabetes (PWD) on Medicare and basal insulin only. This study examines the impact of these guidelines on CGM accessibility.
From May-Oct. 2023, 177 non-CGM-using PWD on Medicare and basal insulin only, 270 primary care physicians (PCPs), and 187 endocrinologists were surveyed on their awareness of CMS’ expanded coverage. Physicians also reported the impact of the new guidelines on prescribing behavior. CGM usage among PWD was tracked every three months from Sep. 2022 - Sep. 2023.
While most endocrinologists were aware of the new guidelines (78%), awareness showed room for improvement among PWD (31%) and PCPs (44%). Among those aware, 76% of endocrinologists and 64% of PCPs reported increasing the number CGM prescriptions written due to the guideline change. Indeed, since April 2023, CGM usage has increased significantly among PWD on Medicare and basal insulin only (p<.05), rising from 15% in Mar. 2023 to 24% in Sep. 2023 (Fig. 1). By contrast, CGM usage remained stagnant around 15% from Sep. 2022 to Mar. 2023.
The research underscores the notable impact of CMS’ expanded CGM coverage in enhancing access for Medicare recipients on basal insulin only. To promote wider CGM adoption, increasing knowledge of the guidelines among PWD and PCPs, where awareness is particularly low, may be beneficial.
A. Zeng: Employee; dQ&A. Research Support; Abbott, Dexcom, Inc., Eli Lilly and Company, diaTribe, Insulet Corporation, Medtronic, Roche Diabetes Care, Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc., Ypsomed AG, Teladoc Health. A. Beltran: Research Support; Abbott, Dexcom, Inc., Eli Lilly and Company, diaTribe, Insulet Corporation, Medtronic, Roche Diabetes Care, Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc., Ypsomed AG, Teladoc Health. T. Bell: Research Support; Abbott, Dexcom, Inc., Eli Lilly and Company, diaTribe, Insulet Corporation, Medtronic, Roche Diabetes Care, Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc., Ypsomed AG, Teladoc Health. R. Wood: Research Support; Abbott, Dexcom, Inc., Eli Lilly and Company, diaTribe, Insulet Corporation, Medtronic, Roche Diabetes Care, Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc., Ypsomed AG, Teladoc Health.
