Impact of Medicare Part D on out-of-pocket drug costs and medical use for patients with cancer.

摘要: BACKGROUND Medicare Part D was designed to reduce out-of-pocket (OOP) costs for Medicare beneficiaries, but the authors' knowledge extent which this occurred patients with cancer has not been measured date. The objective of current study examine impact eligibility on OOP cost prescription drugs and use medical services among cancer. METHODS Using Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) years 2002 through 2010, a differences-in-differences analysis estimated effects pharmaceutical use. authors compared per capita between beneficiaries (aged ≥65 years) near-elderly aged 55 64 cancer. Statistical weights were used generate nationally representative estimates. RESULTS A total 1878 4729 individuals included (total 6607 individuals). mean before enactment $1158 (standard error, ±$52) decreased $501 ±$30), decline 43%. Compared changes in nonelderly over same period, implementation associated further reduction $356 person. appeared have no significant medications, hospitalizations, or emergency department visits, 1.55 outpatient visits. CONCLUSIONS Medicare reduced drug visits seniors beyond trends observed younger patients, major other noted. Cancer 2014;120:3378–3384. © 2014 American Society.