Greg Alston1, Conor Hanrahan. 1. Wingate University, Wingate, North Carolina 28174, USA. galston@wingate.edu
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To determine the ability of a community pharmacist to reduce the annual drug expenditures for Medicare Part D enrollees. SETTING: Independent community pharmacy. PRACTICE DESCRIPTION: Located in rural North Carolina, one pharmacist and two technicians, 900 prescriptions per week, open 56 hours per week; and median income of $14,500 in 2009. PRACTICE INNOVATION: Drug regimen reviews for 50 Medicare Part D enrollees were performed using the Medicare.gov Web site to determine the potential annual savings available to patients by selecting the lowest-cost prescription drug plan and requesting therapeutic alternatives to expensive medications. The impact of this intervention on the patient's entry into the coverage gap was also explored. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Annual prescription drug plan cost (in dollars/year), number of patients in coverage gap, number of months to reach coverage gap (MTG) in the Medicare Part D drug program. RESULTS: 48/50 patients had not selected the lowest-cost prescription plan and had a potential to save $456 per year, 27/50 patients had an opportunity for therapeutic substitution with a potential savings of $1,303 per year, 25 enrollees would reach the coverage gap without an intervention, 16 could be kept out of the gap with an average improvement of 3.02 months' coverage. CONCLUSION: Pharmacists can use the Medicare.gov Web site to assist Medicare Part D plan enrollees in reducing their out-of-pocket annual expenditures.
OBJECTIVE: To determine the ability of a community pharmacist to reduce the annual drug expenditures for Medicare Part D enrollees. SETTING: Independent community pharmacy. PRACTICE DESCRIPTION: Located in rural North Carolina, one pharmacist and two technicians, 900 prescriptions per week, open 56 hours per week; and median income of $14,500 in 2009. PRACTICE INNOVATION: Drug regimen reviews for 50 Medicare Part D enrollees were performed using the Medicare.gov Web site to determine the potential annual savings available to patients by selecting the lowest-cost prescription drug plan and requesting therapeutic alternatives to expensive medications. The impact of this intervention on the patient's entry into the coverage gap was also explored. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Annual prescription drug plan cost (in dollars/year), number of patients in coverage gap, number of months to reach coverage gap (MTG) in the Medicare Part D drug program. RESULTS: 48/50 patients had not selected the lowest-cost prescription plan and had a potential to save $456 per year, 27/50 patients had an opportunity for therapeutic substitution with a potential savings of $1,303 per year, 25 enrollees would reach the coverage gap without an intervention, 16 could be kept out of the gap with an average improvement of 3.02 months' coverage. CONCLUSION: Pharmacists can use the Medicare.gov Web site to assist Medicare Part D plan enrollees in reducing their out-of-pocket annual expenditures.
Authors: Peter S Kirk; Tudor Borza; James M Dupree; John T Wei; Chad Ellimoottil; Megan E V Caram; Mary Burkhardt; Joel J Heidelbaugh; Brent K Hollenbeck; Ted A Skolarus Journal: Urol Pract Date: 2018-09