Changes in Utilization and Expenditures Among Commercially Insured U.S. Adults With Diabetes During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Preliminary Findings

Introduction

People with diabetes were among the populations that experienced the most profound impacts during the COVID-19 pandemic. The authors estimated changes in healthcare utilization and expenditures for commercially insured adults aged 18–64 years with diabetes during the pandemic.

Methods

Medical claims data were from IQVIA PharMetrics Plus. Linear regressions were used to estimate the changes in utilization (per 1,000 individuals) for inpatient stays, emergency room visits, physician office visits, and ambulatory surgery center procedures. Changes in expenditures, in total and out of pocket, were estimated using generalized linear models. Expenditures were adjusted to 2021 U.S. dollars using the Consumer Price Index.

Results

Utilization was reduced significantly for all service types during the pandemic. Although the largest reduction occurred between March 2020 and May 2020, the decrease persisted throughout 2021. During March 2020–May 2020, ambulatory surgery center procedures were reduced by 4.7 visits per 1,000 individuals. The reduction ranged between 0.4 and 1.3 visits per 1,000 individuals subsequently. Expenditures declined for all service types during March 2020–May 2020. However, after May 2020, the reduction remained statistically significant only for physician office visits for all months, with varying changes in expenditures for other service types.

Conclusions

Healthcare utilization and expenditures reduced among commercially insured adults with diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic.