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Lack of access to quality, specialized medical care for menopause is causing women to suffer needlessly and the U.S. healthcare system to bear the brunt of unnecessary costs.
Gennev commissioned a study through Milliman, one of the world’s largest independent actuarial and consulting firms, to understand the costs of not treating menopause, and how we can help reduce costs and improve health outcomes in menopause.
The study, Healthcare Cost and Utilization for Women in Menopause found that medical and prescription costs for women ages 45-54 experiencing menopause are 47 percent higher on average than the general population of women in the same age band. The per member per month expense for these women experiencing menopause averaged $1,243, compared to $848 for the total population.
Why Are Costs Higher During Menopause?
According to the study, women ages 45-54 exhibiting symptoms of menopause have a 41 percent higher utilization of professional medical services and twice the behavioral health costs than the general population of women in the same age band.
Furthermore, anxiety, a widely reported prevalent symptom of menopause, can be effectively alleviated by treating the root cause of menopause itself.
"The cost of overlooking menopause goes far beyond financial implications. It exacts a heavy toll on women's overall well-being—physically, emotionally, and financially," said Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su, Chief Medical Officer at Gennev.
She goes on to say that "…there’s a massive knowledge gap. Our study estimates 80 percent of women between the ages of 45 and 54 could be experiencing menopause symptoms at a given time, yet, based on diagnosis and treatment coded in claims data, only 21 percent seek treatment. This discrepancy underscores the importance of not only recognizing the need for comprehensive menopause care and prioritizing coverage, but the critical need to raise awareness about menopause care. We can empower women to navigate this transformative stage with grace and ensure they receive the support and care they rightfully deserve."
Does Hormone Replacement Therapy Impact Costs?
The study also highlights how women in the study group using hormone replacement therapy (HRT) have 11 percent lower overall healthcare costs compared to women using other menopause therapies.
Furthermore, treating menopause can yield far-reaching advantages that extend beyond financial savings. Specifically, women in the study group who use HRT during menopause show 14 percent lower health costs associated with substance abuse disorders as compared to general medical utilizers.
How Can a Menopause-Trained Provider Help?
Regardless of chosen treatment path, Gennev knows the impact seeing a medical professional who is trained in menopause can have to a woman going through it. However, quality menopause care isn’t easy to find. According to a John Hopkins-led survey, only one in five OB/GYNs take the menopause seminar in medical school. That number is likely even less for primary care doctors.
Gennev providers have already helped thousands of U.S. women improve their quality of life by prescribing personalized, evidence-based treatment plans and delivering the virtual support needed for those plans to succeed. Integrated treatment plans may include prescription medication, nutrition, fitness, sleep, mindfulness, and behavioral health therapies.
Learn how a menopause-trained provider can help you feel better.
Read The Full Report: https://www.milliman.com/en/insight/healthcare-cost-utilization-women-in-menopause
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