Journal article
Effects of medicare Part D coverage gap on medication and medical treatment among elderly beneficiaries with depression
Y Zhang, SH Baik, L Zhou, CF Reynolds, JR Lave
Archives of General Psychiatry | AMER MEDICAL ASSOC | Published : 2012
Abstract
Context: Maintenance antidepressant pharmacotherapy in late life prevents recurrent episodes of major depression. The coverage gap in Medicare Part D could increase the likelihood of reducing appropriate use of antidepressants, thereby exposing older adults to an increased risk for relapse of depressive episodes. Objectives: To determine whether (1) beneficiaries reduce antidepressant use in the gap, (2) the reduction in antidepressant use is similar to the reduction in heart failure medications and antidiabetics, (3) the provision of generic coverage reduces the risk of reduction of medication use, and (4) medical spending increases in the gap. Design: Observational before-after study with ..
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Awarded by National Center for Research Resources
Funding Acknowledgements
[ "Drs Zhang and Lave recently completed a study evaluating the effects of a high-deductible health plan that was partially funded by Highmark, Inc. Highmark, Inc sells Part D products. Dr Reynolds receives pharmaceutical supplies from BMS, Forest Laboratories, Lilly, and Pfizer in support of his National Institutes of Health-sponsored research.", "This study was supported by grant RC1 MH088510 from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH); grant R01 HS018657 from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; the University of Pittsburgh Central Research Development Fund (Dr Zhang); and grant P30 MH090333 from the NIMH and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Endowment in Geriatric Psychiatry (Dr Reynolds)." ]