Estimated cost of treating myasthenia gravis in an insured U.S. population

Abstract

Introduction: In this study we estimated the costs paid by U.S. health plans for treating myasthenia gravis (MG) in 2009 and determined the major cost drivers.

Methods: One hundred thirteen MG patients were matched by propensity scores with 339 non-MG patients from a comprehensive health-care insurance database. The mean annual costs paid by the health plan for treating MG, costs by place of service, and costs for intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) and plasma exchange were determined.

Results: Mean annual costs paid by the health plan per MG patient were $20,190 (SEM $4,763) and costs attributable to treating MG were $15,675. Home health services accounted for 23% of MG patient costs and represented almost exclusively IVIg infusion costs. Six MG patients had a total of 136 outpatient IVIg infusions at an average annual cost of $109,463 ± $57,303.

Conclusions: The estimated annual health plan paid costs for treating MG were $15,675. Home health services represented 23% of MG patient costs, largely driven by IVIg administration.