Express Scripts Diabetes Program Saves Millions in First Year

The Express Scripts SafeGuardRx Diabetes Care Value program saved participating health plan sponsors a total $42.6 million during its first year, the company announced in a press release.

In all, data shows the program cut diabetes drug spending 19% in 2017, saving the more than 800 plan sponsors enrolled $360 per member per year, Express Scripts said.

Express Scripts also announced its diabetes specialist pharmacists started an additional 15% of enrolled patients at risk for heart attack or stroke on statin therapy in accordance with recommended treatment guidelines. If all Express Scripts plans increased statin use for better cholesterol control among members with diabetes, an estimated 13,000 heart attacks could be prevented over the next decade, according to the company.

“By combining specialized diabetes pharmacy care with benefit strategies, such as utilization management and quality pharmacy networks, we are tackling the diabetes dilemma in ways others simply cannot,” said Glen Stettin, MD, Express Scripts chief innovation officer, in the press release.

“Our SafeGuardRx clinical solutions provide the highest level of clinical care and more affordable healthcare benefits while helping to ensure our clients, who pay the majority of the cost of treatment, get the most value from the medicines their members take for this far too prevalent and devastating condition.”

—Jolynn Tumolo