Overview of the Study
A new study published in the Journal of Managed Care & Specialty Pharmacy (JMCP) highlights a striking rise in continuous glucose monitor (CGM) use among Medicare Advantage members with type 2 diabetes. Researchers from Humana Healthcare Research and Yale School of Medicine conducted the analysis, tracking CGM adoption trends from 2021 through 2023. Moreover, the study compared the demographic and clinical profiles of CGM users against non-users in 2023, uncovering meaningful differences in health complexity between the two groups.
What Is Continuous Glucose Monitoring?
A Smarter Way to Track Blood Sugar
Continuous glucose monitoring is a technology that tracks blood glucose levels in real time, around the clock. Unlike traditional fingerstick methods, CGMs eliminate the need for repeated manual testing throughout the day. Instead, a small sensor placed under the skin measures glucose levels continuously and sends data to a connected device.
Why CGMs Represent a Major Advancement
For patients managing type 2 diabetes, CGMs offer several critical advantages. They allow users to spot dangerous highs and lows before symptoms appear. Furthermore, they reduce the daily burden of self-monitoring, making it easier for patients to stay on top of their glucose trends. Consequently, CGMs support more proactive and effective diabetes management overall.
Key Findings from the Research
Dramatic Growth in CGM Adoption
The study reveals that CGM usage among insulin-using Medicare Advantage members with type 2 diabetes grew sharply over the study period. Specifically, the proportion of members using both insulin and a CGM rose from fewer than 2 in 100 in January 2021 to roughly 1 in 6 by December 2023. This rapid increase reflects both growing clinical awareness and a pivotal shift in Medicare coverage policy.
Medicare Coverage Expansion Drives Uptake
A key driver behind the surge was Medicare’s expanded coverage of CGMs in 2023. As coverage broadened, access improved significantly, leading more patients to adopt the technology. Therefore, policy decisions clearly play a decisive role in shaping technology adoption among Medicare populations.
Endocrinology Visits Linked to Higher CGM Use
Patients who visited an endocrinologist during 2023 were more than four times as likely to use a CGM compared with those who did not. This finding underscores the important role that specialist engagement plays in connecting patients with advanced diabetes management tools.
Who Is Most Likely to Use a CGM?
Complex Health Profiles Among CGM Users
CGM users in the 2023 study group tended to have more complex health conditions than non-users. They also showed higher rates of specialist engagement and more frequent interactions with the healthcare system overall. In contrast, patients with fewer healthcare touchpoints were significantly less likely to use a CGM.
Age as a Limiting Factor
Notably, patients in the oldest age group were less likely to adopt CGMs than younger Medicare Advantage members. This gap raises important questions about whether device design, technology literacy, or provider outreach contribute to lower uptake among the elderly — all factors worth addressing in future research and care strategies.
Barriers to Wider CGM Access
Identifying the Underserved
Despite the promising growth in CGM adoption, the study highlights that certain groups still lag behind. Patients who interact less frequently with the healthcare system face a double disadvantage — they are less likely to receive a recommendation for CGM use and less likely to access the devices on their own. Additionally, older adults represent an underserved segment that may benefit enormously from real-time glucose monitoring but currently remains outside its reach.
The Need for Targeted Outreach
These gaps reveal that broader coverage alone does not guarantee equitable access. Health plans and care teams must develop targeted outreach strategies to reach patients who visit clinicians infrequently. Proactive engagement — rather than waiting for patients to seek care — is essential to closing the access divide.
Expert Perspectives on the Data
Humana’s Medical Director Weighs In
Dr. Mark Mugavin, Medical Director at Humana, emphasized the value of this research: “These insights help us identify which patients may benefit most from CGMs, including those who do not visit the doctor frequently, and guide our strategies for reaching and supporting those who need them most.”
Yale Researcher Highlights Policy Impact
Dr. Joseph S. Ross of the Yale School of Medicine added that understanding CGM adoption trends helps clarify how Medicare coverage decisions shape the use of new technologies. According to Dr. Ross, such analyses also reveal which patient populations are not achieving the same level of access as others — an essential insight for driving more equitable care.
Humana’s Coverage Commitment in 2026
In 2026, most individuals enrolled in a Humana Medicare Advantage plan can obtain a CGM at no out-of-pocket cost. Humana fully covers these devices under eligible plans, removing one of the most significant barriers to adoption — cost. This commitment reflects a broader strategy to improve diabetes outcomes by ensuring that members can access the tools they need without financial hardship.
Why This Research Matters
This study is among the first to examine CGM use specifically within the Medicare Advantage population — a group where diabetes management and multiple chronic conditions are especially common. The findings point to clear progress since 2021 while also revealing persistent gaps in access and adoption. As CGM technology continues to evolve and coverage continues to expand, studies like this one provide a crucial roadmap. They help health plans, clinicians, and policymakers understand where interventions are needed and which patients stand to gain the most from this powerful diabetes management tool.
