Atopic dermatitis (AD) affects approximately 7.3% of US adults, with 40% experiencing moderate to severe disease and associated morbidity, including pruritus, sleep disturbance, impaired quality of life, and reduced productivity. Specialty therapies for AD have transformed clinical care, but their high cost has been accompanied by increased utilization management (UM). Dermatologists report that coverage restrictions can delay treatment initiation, require prior use of less expensive therapies, and impose administrative burdens that detract from patient care. Despite their role in access, payer UM policies for AD specialty therapies remain poorly characterized. This study aimed to characterize coverage and UM requirements for AD specialty therapies across US commercial health plans.
