JoAnn Stubbings1, Denys T Lau. 1. Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, IL, USA. jstubbin@uic.edu
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Since its implementation in 2006, Medicare Part D has evolved from a program that offered basic access to covered drugs for beneficiaries to one that has the potential to affect patient outcomes. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this article was to highlight key research findings on Medicare Part D published in 2012 and major public policy initiatives for Part D for 2013. METHODS: PubMed/MEDLINE was searched for research studies on Part D published in 2012 in biomedical/scientific, peer-reviewed, English-language journals. For policy updates, sources included the Federal Register, the 2013 Final Call Letter, guidance from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and 2012 publications on Part D policy identified in PubMed. RESULTS: Part D has been associated with higher medication use and lower out-of-pocket (OOP) costs of many long-term medications; however, differences within subgroups of beneficiaries have been observed. Studies on health outcomes have been inconclusive. Part D policy changes in 2013 have addressed problems with the benefit, namely coverage of benzodiazepines and barbiturates; reducing coinsurance in the coverage gap; reducing fraud, waste, and abuse; medication therapy management program standardization; and an expanded appeals process. CONCLUSIONS: Research continues to suggest that Part D is effective in increasing medication utilization and lowering OOP costs. Further work is needed to clarify the effects of Part D on nondrug health care service utilization and health outcomes. Policy changes for 2013 addressed specific improvements in the Medicare Part D benefit while potentially generating cost-savings for Medicare and Medicaid. Future challenges include alleviating access burden to medications during the phase-out of the coverage gap, minimizing disparities among Part D beneficiaries, and coordinating the Part D benefit with Medicare parts A and B via Medicare Accountable Care Organizations. A more integrated and coordinated Medicare benefit among all of its components would benefit overall health outcomes and increase cost-savings.
BACKGROUND: Since its implementation in 2006, Medicare Part D has evolved from a program that offered basic access to covered drugs for beneficiaries to one that has the potential to affect patient outcomes. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this article was to highlight key research findings on Medicare Part D published in 2012 and major public policy initiatives for Part D for 2013. METHODS: PubMed/MEDLINE was searched for research studies on Part D published in 2012 in biomedical/scientific, peer-reviewed, English-language journals. For policy updates, sources included the Federal Register, the 2013 Final Call Letter, guidance from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and 2012 publications on Part D policy identified in PubMed. RESULTS: Part D has been associated with higher medication use and lower out-of-pocket (OOP) costs of many long-term medications; however, differences within subgroups of beneficiaries have been observed. Studies on health outcomes have been inconclusive. Part D policy changes in 2013 have addressed problems with the benefit, namely coverage of benzodiazepines and barbiturates; reducing coinsurance in the coverage gap; reducing fraud, waste, and abuse; medication therapy management program standardization; and an expanded appeals process. CONCLUSIONS: Research continues to suggest that Part D is effective in increasing medication utilization and lowering OOP costs. Further work is needed to clarify the effects of Part D on nondrug health care service utilization and health outcomes. Policy changes for 2013 addressed specific improvements in the Medicare Part D benefit while potentially generating cost-savings for Medicare and Medicaid. Future challenges include alleviating access burden to medications during the phase-out of the coverage gap, minimizing disparities among Part D beneficiaries, and coordinating the Part D benefit with Medicare parts A and B via Medicare Accountable Care Organizations. A more integrated and coordinated Medicare benefit among all of its components would benefit overall health outcomes and increase cost-savings.