The effect of the US Medicare Part D coverage gaps on medication use among patients with depression and heart failure

Abstract

Background: Medication use among Medicare beneficiaries has increased and adherence has improved since the implementation of the Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit in 2006. However, the structure of the benefit, particularly, the coverage gap, is still problematic. It is critical to understand how beneficiaries with coexisting conditions respond to the coverage gap and whether their response differs by type of medications. Aims of the Study: The paper aims to evaluate the effects of Medicare Part D's coverage gap on drug regimens among beneficiaries with coexisting depression and heart failure (HF). Methods: Drug utilization patterns and medication adherence of a 5% random sample of M..