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Researchers from Eli Lilly and Carelon Research examined the real-world use of tirzepatide, a glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) drug, among individuals without type 2 diabetes. Using data from the Healthcare Integrated Research Database, which covers over 88 million U.S. individuals, the study found significant weight loss for those using the drug for at least six months.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, in collaboration with Carelon Research and other health service companies, conducted a safety monitoring study. The study reviewed outcomes for 13.9 million recipients of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines from August 2022 to July 2023, confirming the vaccine's safety profile.

Carelon Research coauthored this paper for a study led by AstraZeneca that highlighted ongoing severe COVID-19 risks for immunocompromised individuals after the Public Health Emergency ended in May 2023. The study utilized data from the Healthcare Integrated Research Database, covering over 88 million individuals in the United States.

Carelon Research staff, alongside U.S. Food and Drug Administration scientists and other researchers, helped lead a safety monitoring analysis of the 2023–2024 flu vaccine. The study of 10 million vaccinated, commercially insured individuals ages six months and older found small but statistically significant increases in the risk of febrile seizure and transient ischemic attack.

Elevance Health researchers used commercial healthcare claims to study maternal and infant outcomes by delivery mode. Analyzing 436,991 deliveries, the study found adverse outcomes were more common in cesarean sections than in vaginal deliveries.

Using data from Wellpoint's Medicaid long-term care plan in Tennessee, this study evaluated the role of technology to promote independence and improve quality of life. Results show health plan members used a variety of technology solutions and experienced reductions in emergency department visits and skilled nursing facility use.

This research paper from the Elevance Health Public Policy Institute examined demographic and health characteristics of telehealth users living in rural areas, pulling from the Healthcare Integrated Research Database, a repository of medical and pharmacy claims for more than 88 million individuals in the United States. Telehealth utilization data patterns reveal opportunities to increase access for individuals residing in rural areas.

The Elevance Health Public Policy Institute paper reviews a 2020 change by Elevance Health’s pharmacy benefit manager, CarelonRx. The policy limited opioid coverage for acute dental pain to a three-day supply for Commercial and Medicaid members. This resulted in notable decreases in prescription volume, dosage, and member utilization of opioids for dental pain.

This paper from the Public Policy Institute outlines the results of a successful program in place across several Elevance Health-affiliated Medicaid plans, administered by pharmacy benefit manager, CarelonRx. The Community Pharmacy Total Care program, active in eight states, led to higher medication adherence and improved quality outcomes for members with multiple chronic conditions.

This Elevance Health Public Policy Institute brief describes a snapshot of Elevance Health’s efforts — throughout the United States and across multiple lines of business (Commercial, Medicaid, and Medicare) — to advance members’ access to food and nutritionally appropriate meals. The results illustrate the company’s investments in six key Food as Medicine areas: personalized nutrition counseling and education, community-level healthy food policies and programs, government nutrition security initiatives, produce prescription initiatives, medically tailored groceries, and medically tailored meals.

This Elevance Health Public Policy Institute study looked at engagement and health outcomes for the Smart Rewards employee wellness program offered through Elevance Health-affiliated Commercial health plans. The program is designed to motivate members to engage in preventive care, condition management, and wellness activities. This study found that participation was high, especially among women, older adults, and people with greater health needs.

This study by Elevance Health researchers was published in The American Journal of Managed Care. The authors examined the habits of adults enrolled in Medicare Advantage Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs) offering a grocery card benefit in 2022. Those who used the grocery card were slightly more likely to complete an annual wellness visit and see a primary care provider or specialist, with modest increases in both office and specialist visits.

This Elevance Health Public Policy Institute research study found that use of Medicare Advantage supplemental benefits — specifically food and transportation benefits — was associated with improved healthcare quality across all evaluated quality measures, including those related to diabetes and cardiovascular disease management. The strongest associations were observed among food benefit users, suggesting meaningful links between nutrition support and chronic disease management.

This article in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology detailed results of analysis by Elevance Health researchers on the impact of high heat exposure on people with CKD. They found exposure to heat indexes above 90°F was associated with greater weekly emergency department utilization, particularly with heat-related or kidney-related primary diagnosis codes in patients with CKD.

Using Medicaid claims from 40 states and Washington, D.C., this study for the Elevance Health Public Policy Institute examined outcomes for children and youth in foster care. Findings show that managed care plans — specialized plans, in particular — outperformed fee-for-service in terms of members receiving preventive services, behavioral health follow-up, and chronic condition treatment.

This paper from the Elevance Health Public Policy Institute outlined how policymakers can leverage lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic. Key insights include the use of telehealth, the continuation of cross-state licensure, and the use of peers to support sustained access to evidence-based care for people with opioid use disorder (OUD).

This article published in The American Journal of Managed Care was authored by Elevance Health researchers. It examined Medicaid-covered deliveries in 16 states where members’ obstetric care providers participated in a supported value-based care (VBC) program. Participating groups’ patients had significantly fewer preterm and low-birth-weight deliveries, shorter neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) stays, and lower maternal and infant costs during the first year.