Increases but pronounced state-level disparities in semaglutide prescribing to Medicaid patients from 2018 to 2022

Abstract Figure

Background

Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist that has been used to treat type 2 diabetes and for weight management since its approval in 2018 and 2021, respectively. Our research aimed to examine the geographic distribution of semaglutide prescriptions across the United States Medicaid program and determine the accessibility of this efficacious but costly to those on Medicaid.

Methods

Medicaid data on state drug utilization was collected to identify the number of semaglutide prescriptions distributed in each state per quarter from 2018 to 2022 and standardized them per 10,000 Medicaid enrollees. States whose rates fell outside the 95% confidence interval were considered significant outliers. Preferred drug lists for 2019-2022 were retrieved from state Medicaid website archives to explore coverage policies.

Results

National semaglutide prescribing in Medicaid rose steadily from 2018 to 2022. Notably, states in the Midwest, West, and Northeast regions showed the largest increases. After adjusted for enrollment, Indiana led usage of semaglutide from 2018 to 2020 at 185.6 prescriptions/10,000 enrollees. A notable surge in semaglutide prescriptions was observed in West Virginia in 2021. Conversely, states within the South and lower Midwest regions recorded the lowest prescription rates, with Arkansas (0.1 prescriptions/10,000 enrollees) ranking the lowest in 2020. Prescription volume did not correlate with obesity prevalence, per enrollee Medicaid spending, or the percentage of non-White population.

Conclusion

Semaglutide use within Medicaid climbed rapidly, but unevenly. Marked state-level variations highlight potential barriers to access despite the drug’s growing clinical importance.