Key result
Higher out-of-pocket beta-blocker spending is linked to ~38% higher odds of nonadherence.
Why the study?
Few studies have evaluated the effect of cost sharing on prescription drug adherence in heart failure among Medicare beneficiaries.
Is out-of-pocket spending on heart failure pharmacotherapy associated with prescription refill adherence in Medicare Part D enrollees?
Population
964 community-dwelling Medicare beneficiaries with self-reported heart failure and continuous Part D coverage
Comparison
Out-of-pocket spending on beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, and ARBs as percentage of monthly income
Design
Correlational study using pooled Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey data
Follow-up
1 year
Authors
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May inform cost-sharing policies for beta-blockers in Medicare HF patients; leaves open whether reducing OOP costs improves adherence or outcomes.
Observational (n=964)
Is out-of-pocket spending on heart failure pharmacotherapy associated with prescription refill adherence in Medicare Part D enrollees?
Odds Ratio: 1.38 (95% CI 1.01–1.89)
p-value: p=0.045
Higher out-of-pocket costs relative to income are associated with decreased adherence to beta-blockers, but not ACE inhibitors or ARBs, among Medicare beneficiaries with heart failure.
McGee et al. (2019) conducted an observational in Heart failure (n=964). Percentage of monthly income spent on a 30-day medication supply was evaluated on Nonadherence (medication possession ratio < 80%) (OR 1.38, 95% CI 1.01-1.89, p=0.045). Higher out-of-pocket spending on beta-blocker prescriptions as a percentage of income was associated with increased odds of nonadherence (OR 1.38; 95% CI 1.01-1.89; P=0.045).
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