Research will focus on the potential of CGM in managing diabetes
Washington, D.C. (March 6, 2024) – The Alliance of Community Health Plans (ACHP) is pleased to announce The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust has awarded it a $1.54 million, 18-month research grant supporting ACHP’s Chronic Disease Pledge to improve diabetes outcomes by 2030. The research will focus on the utilization of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), a technology shown to significantly improve diabetes outcomes and enhance quality of life. Increased access to CGM is critical for health equity in diabetes. ACHP will partner with HealthPartners Institute International Diabetes Center (IDC) to improve diabetes management among individuals with insulin-dependent diabetes covered by regional health plans.
“CGM is an incredibly underutilized technology with the potential to improve lives, while – we predict – saving our health care system significant financial resources,” remarked Ceci Connolly, ACHP President and CEO. “Given this, it’s crucial for us to explore opportunities to address the coverage and utilization barriers to CGM. We’re thrilled to partner closely with The Helmsley Charitable Trust and IDC to expand the proper utilization of CGM, especially as managing chronic diseases like diabetes remains a top priority for ACHP and its members.”
These monitors help track patients’ glucose levels throughout the day, eliminating the need for inconvenient and uncomfortable finger pricks that were traditionally required of patients. Clinical trials and real-world data continue to show benefits of this technology for people with both type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Still, many patients aren’t yet using CGM. The project will help assess barriers to utilization.
“Everyday, we’re learning more about how CGM can help guide personalized and effective diabetes management,” said Richard Bergenstal, MD, executive director of IDC. “We are very excited to partner with ACHP’s unique provider-aligned plans to ensure access to CGM for all who stand to benefit from this technology which has the potential to transform diabetes care and improve health outcomes.”
“It’s clear that CGM access can significantly improve quality of life and health outcomes for people with type 1 diabetes,” said Serena Thadani, Associate Program Officer at Helmsley. “This project holds promise to remake the landscape of CGM insurance coverage — so that more people with type 1 diabetes can experience the benefits of CGM.”
ACHP’s community-based health plans, with their provider-aligned model and population health approach, are well-positioned to develop effective strategies that not only overcome barriers related to CGM coverage and cost, but also lead to adoption and sustained use by providers and patients.
To date, CGM remains underutilized in the health care sector. This project will compare current coverage policies for CGM by the regional health plans and develop pilot interventions to enhance access to CGM and evaluate their potential for future widespread implementation. This grant and the research findings present an exciting opportunity for ACHP and its members to collaborate and advocate for the evidence supporting CGM, including its impact on outcomes, patient satisfaction and equity. This 18-month project will run through July, 2025.
###
About ACHP
The Alliance of Community Health Plans (ACHP) represents the nation’s top-performing nonprofit health companies, which serve tens of millions of Americans across nearly 40 states and D.C. ACHP member plans collaborate with providers on high-quality coverage and care — leading the industry in practical reforms, including MA for Tomorrow, our vision for the future of Medicare Advantage.
ACHP is the voice of a unique payer-provider partnership model advancing proven solutions that deliver better value for patients, employers and taxpayers. Contact us for case studies and data about member innovations and results.
About HealthPartners Institute International Diabetes Center
HealthPartners Institute International Diabetes Center (IDC) provides world-class diabetes care, education, publications and research that supports people with diabetes and their families. IDC is part of HealthPartners Institute which annually conducts more than 400 research studies, and trains more than 700 medical residents and fellows and 1,200 medical and advanced practice students. Its integration with HealthPartners’ hospitals, clinics and health plan strengthens the Institute’s ability to discover and develop evidence-based solutions and translate them into practice. Based in Minneapolis, the Institute’s work impacts care, health and well-being across the region and nation as well as internationally.
