Differences in prescription drug utilization and expenditures between Blacks and Whites in the Georgia Medicaid population.

To address policy concerns regarding prescription drug access by vulnerable minority groups, we analyzed prescription drug use and spending among black and white enrollees in the Georgia Medicaid program. Using a two-part model estimating use and level of use of any prescription drugs, the study examined black/white differences controlling for age, sex, and Medicaid eligibility characteristics. Results showed black enrollees were significantly less likely to use any prescription drugs and received significantly fewer prescriptions than white enrollees. After adjustment, the black/white difference for children was 43%, with black children using 2.7 fewer prescriptions relative to white children. Patterns of use were similar for adults and the elderly, with black adults using 4.9 fewer prescriptions, and black elders using 6.3 fewer prescriptions, than their white peers. Spending rates per full-year enrollee were similar to utilization patterns and maintained the black/white differential. White Medicaid enrollees had higher use and spending than black enrollees across most high-volume therapeutic drug categories. The study explores several possible explanations for these differences.