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

Abstract

IntroductionPeople with diabetes were among the populations that experienced the most profound impacts during the COVID-19 pandemic. We estimated changes in healthcare utilization and expenditures for commercially insured adults aged 18-64 years with diabetes during the pandemic. MethodsMedical 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 (ER) visits, physician office visits, and ambulatory surgery center (ASC) 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. ResultsUtilization was reduced significantly for all service types during the pandemic. While the largest reduction occurred between 03/2020-05/2020, the decrease persisted throughout 2021. During 03/2020-05/2020, ASC procedures were reduced by 4.7 visits per 1,000 individuals. The reduction ranged between 0.7 and 1.3 visits per 1,000 individuals subsequently. Expenditures declined for all service types during 03/2020-05/2020. 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. ConclusionHealthcare utilization and expenditures reduced among commercially insured adults with diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic.