Improving outcomes, controlling costs, and navigating evolving quality measures are ongoing challenges facing health plans. MedImpact conducted several research studies to give clients better insights and actionable steps to:  

• Improve adherence for patients with diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol through refill reminders
• Understand cost drivers in GLP-1 therapies
• Prepare for the upcoming Star measure on concurrent opioid and benzodiazepine use

MedImpact was selected by AMCP Nexus, one of the premier healthcare conferences, to present our research at its annual meeting in October 2025. Learn more about each poster presentation below and, if you’re attending, be sure to meet our team.

POSTER 1

Helping Patients Stay on Track

Missing medication refills can quickly lead to worse health outcomes. Our team studied how a refill reminder program impacted patients with diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol.

The results were clear: patients who refilled late prescriptions after a reminder were more likely to stay adherent. This insight shows how simple interventions can make a meaningful difference in a patient’s health.

Characteristics associated with being adherent in patients experiencing late refills before and after the implementation of a refill reminder program
Authors: James Chamberlain, Pharm.D., M.S.; Shellie Keast, Pharm.D., Ph.D.; Jennifer Hendricks, Pharm.D., APh, BCACP, CDCES, FCPhA

Read the poster.

POSTER 2

Understanding GLP-1 Cost Drivers

GLP-1 therapies for diabetes and weight loss are transforming care—and reshaping pharmacy budgets. MedImpact analyzed the top 10% of GLP-1 spenders in a large health plan to understand what drives costs.

The findings: patients over 50, especially those using Wegovy or Mounjaro, were most likely to be high-cost utilizers.

Preliminary associated characteristics of the top 10% of GLP-1 spenders in a self-insured health plan
Authors: Huyen Vu, Pharm.D.; Shellie Keast, Pharm.D., Ph.D.; Wenyi Qiu, M.S.; Charlene Dohanh, Pharm.D.; Jennifer Hendricks, Pharm.D., APh, BCACP, CDCES, FCPhA

Read the poster. 

POSTER 3

Reaching High Star Ratings on COB Measure

Starting in 2025, Medicare Part D Star Ratings will include a new measure tracking the concurrent use of opioids and benzodiazepines (COB).

MedImpact analyzed how many Medicare Part D members may qualify for the COB measure, and when and where interventions would be most effective.

Research indicated that approximately 57% of those who qualified for the measure did so within 45 to 90 days of their index prescription—highlighting that the key time frame for intervention is within the first 90 days post index claim. This points to a crucial window for early intervention, helping plans improve Star Ratings and protect patient safety.

Characteristics of Medicare Part D eligible patients at risk for qualifying for the concurrent use of opioids and benzodiazepines Star Measure
Authors: Shellie Keast, Pharm.D., Ph.D.; James Chamberlain, Pharm.D., M.S.; Michael Aleman, B.S.; Jennifer Hendricks, Pharm.D., APh, BCACP, CDCES, FCPhA