Cost-effectiveness of medicare drug plans in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder

Abstract

Background: Medicare Part D has a drug coverage gap, which imposes risks for discontinuing medications, particularly in mental health disorders where drug costs are high. However, some beneficiaries have generic drug coverage in the gap. Objectives: To examine the health outcomes and cost-effectiveness of generic-drug coverage compared with no gap coverage in patients with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Study Design: Markov model-based cost-effectiveness analysis using identical hypothetical cohorts to examine drug coverage strategies. Methods: The incremental cost-effectiveness of Part D coverage strategies was estimated, using differences in medical costs and quality-adjusted life yea..