Strive Health Emphasizes SGLT2 Access Gaps and Payor Barriers in Kidney Care

According to a recent LinkedIn post from Strive Health, the company is drawing attention to underutilization of SGLT2 inhibitors in kidney disease and cardiovascular risk management. The post cites data suggesting these therapies can slow kidney disease progression by 30–40% and reduce cardiovascular events, yet reportedly reach only 20% of eligible patients.

The company’s LinkedIn post highlights that health plans covering SGLT2 drugs may still see low use, not due to lack of physician prescribing, but due to implementation challenges. These are described as prior authorization delays, affordability barriers and care transition gaps that can interrupt therapy and limit real-world adoption.

As referenced in the post, Strive Health points to a white paper authored by its Chief Nephrologist, which outlines three key barriers payors face in enabling access to SGLT2 therapy. The paper is presented as arguing that integrated care models can help remove these barriers and improve continuity of treatment for eligible patients.

For investors, the post suggests Strive Health is positioning itself as a value-based kidney care partner focused on optimizing evidence-based therapies within payor networks. If the company’s integrated care approach can demonstrably increase appropriate SGLT2 use and lower total cost of care, it could enhance Strive Health’s appeal to insurers and risk-bearing providers.

The emphasis on payor strategy and total cost of care may indicate a focus on contracting opportunities where improved medication implementation translates into shared savings. In a broader market where kidney care costs are substantial, effective deployment of SGLT2 therapy could support stronger economics for Strive Health’s value-based models and potentially reinforce its competitive position in kidney health management.