Evaluating the effect of the Medicare Part D coverage gap on hospitalizations and emergency room utilization in patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Background: The Medicare Part D coverage gap is a lapse in payer coverage of prescription medications between $3700 and $4950 where the beneficiary is responsible for a larger proportion of drug costs. Previous research has shown this gap in coverage comes with a decreased adherence rate for those who are unable to afford their medications without adequate assistance. Decrease adherence to maintenance medication therapy for asthma and COPD may lead to poor outcomes and an increase in costs to our health system.
Source: Research in Social and Administrative Pharmacy - Category: Pharmaceuticals Authors: Source Type: research