Study by Humana Healthcare Research and Yale School of Medicine researcher reveals significant increase in CGM usage, particularly among older adults with chronic health conditions.
A new study published in the Journal of Managed Care & Specialty Pharmacy (JMCP) highlights a significant rise in the use of continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) among Medicare Advantage members with type 2 diabetes between 2021 and 2023. Conducted by researchers from Humana Healthcare Research in collaboration with Dr. Joseph S. Ross of Yale School of Medicine, the study provides new insights into how advanced diabetes monitoring technologies are being adopted and which patient populations are benefiting from them.
Continuous glucose monitors represent a major advancement in diabetes care compared with traditional fingerstick testing methods. These devices provide real-time blood glucose readings throughout the day, enabling patients and healthcare providers to better manage fluctuations and reduce the risk of dangerous highs and lows. By offering continuous data and reducing the burden of frequent manual testing, CGMs are helping transform the way diabetes is monitored and treated.
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The research found that the use of CGMs among Medicare Advantage members with type 2 diabetes increased dramatically over the three-year period. In January 2021, fewer than 2 out of every 100 insulin-using Medicare Advantage members used a CGM device. By December 2023, that number had grown to approximately 1 in 6 members, reflecting both technological adoption and improved insurance coverage.
The increase in CGM use coincided with expanded Medicare coverage for these devices in 2023, suggesting that policy changes played a key role in improving patient access to advanced diabetes management tools. As coverage expanded, more patients were able to integrate continuous glucose monitoring into their treatment plans, supporting more proactive and personalized diabetes care.
The study also examined the characteristics of patients who used CGMs compared with those who did not in 2023. Researchers found that CGM users often had more complex medical conditions, indicating that healthcare providers may prioritize these devices for patients who require closer monitoring due to higher clinical risk.
Another important finding highlighted the role of specialist care in technology adoption. Patients who had at least one endocrinology visit during the year were more than four times as likely to use a CGM compared with those who did not consult a specialist. This suggests that specialist engagement may significantly influence the adoption of advanced diabetes monitoring technologies.
However, the analysis also revealed disparities in access. Patients who had fewer interactions with the healthcare system, as well as those in the oldest age groups, were less likely to use CGMs. These findings suggest that additional outreach and education may be needed to ensure that vulnerable populations can benefit from these innovations.
Dr. Mark Mugavin, Medical Director at Humana, emphasized the importance of the study in understanding how CGMs are used among Medicare Advantage members. He noted that diabetes and multiple chronic conditions are common within this population, and improved access to advanced monitoring tools could help healthcare providers deliver more effective disease management.
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Dr. Joseph S. Ross of Yale School of Medicine added that tracking trends in CGM adoption provides valuable insight into how Medicare coverage policies influence the use of emerging healthcare technologies. Understanding which patient groups have access – and which may still face barriers – can help guide future healthcare strategies.
Looking ahead, most individuals enrolled in a Humana Medicare Advantage plan are expected to receive full coverage for continuous glucose monitors by 2026, allowing them to obtain the devices with no out-of-pocket cost. As access expands, healthcare providers and researchers will continue evaluating how CGMs improve long-term diabetes management and patient health outcomes.
The findings underscore the growing role of advanced monitoring technologies in modern healthcare and highlight the importance of equitable access as digital health tools become increasingly central to chronic disease management.
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