TELUS Health presented the findings from its 2024 Drug Data Trends and National Benchmarks Report at its 20th annual conference, held April 23and set to continue through April 30.
The report reveals that diabetes medications topped the list for private insurance claims for the second year in a row. Additionally, there was a significant increase in claims for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medications, particularly among young adults.
At the conference, Martin Bélanger, Senior Vice-president, Payor & Provider Solutions at TELUS Health, emphasized the value of private drug plans for workplace productivity and employee health. “Private drug plans are not only essential for attracting and retaining talent but also enhance workplace productivity,” Bélanger said. He highlighted the company’s efforts in contributing to Canada’s prescription medication space to promote a healthier future.
According to Health Canada, over three million Canadians, or 8.9% of the population, live with diabetes. This condition’s prevalence has been growing by approximately 3.3% annually. This increase, along with expanded treatment options for heart failure and off-label use for weight loss, has led to a 29.4% rise in claim amounts for diabetes medications since 2022.
Other notable findings from the report include the growth in ADHD medication claims, which have surged since 2008. The report lists inflammatory diseases and skin disorders as other leading categories for drug claims. Vicky Lee, Pharmacist and Pharmacy Consultant at TELUS Health, mentioned, “The increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes and prediabetes signifies rising costs in the future. We’re also seeing more patients starting on two-drug combinations, which drives up costs.”
The report also highlights a steady share of claims for specialty drugs, accounting for 31.2% of the total in 2023, slightly down from previous years. This change reflects the growing adoption of biosimilar switching policies, which have been implemented in both public and private sectors to curb medication costs. Caroline Le Pottier, another Pharmacist at TELUS Health, stated, “With Ontario’s recent biosimilar policy, we expect continued cost savings, which will be evident in next year’s data.”
The report covers a wide range of data collected in 2023 from over 15 million insured Canadians, providing valuable insights into trends that will likely influence health and productivity as well as future drug-plan expenditures. The annual eligible claim amounts varied significantly across Canada, with the highest in Atlantic Canada and the lowest in Quebec, where chronic medications are often dispensed in 30-day supplies.
TELUS Health’s comprehensive analysis of these trends offers crucial information to the insured benefits industry, helping stakeholders adapt to an evolving healthcare landscape.