U.S. seniors who participate in the Medicare Part D prescription drug plan may achieve savings that extend beyond the cost of medications, according to a study published in the July 27 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
The study, reported in U.S. News and World Report, looked at claims data on 6,000 enrollees in the two years before and after implementation of Part D. Approximately 2,500 of the participants had "generous" prescription drug benefits before Part D began and served as the control group, while about 3,400 participants had limited drug coverage before the program began.
The study found that seniors with limited drug coverage prior to Part D spent approximately $1,200 a year less than they would have without Part D. Those who started out with generous coverage had slightly decreased costs after Part D.
The decreased costs could be attributed to fewer inpatient stays and less time at skilled nursing facilities. The decrease in these visits was about 10 percent lower than expected, according to the report. The study suggests that hospital and nursing bills may be lower for Part D seniors because easier access to medication keeps them healthier longer.
Read the U.S. News and World Report article on Medicare Part D.
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The study, reported in U.S. News and World Report, looked at claims data on 6,000 enrollees in the two years before and after implementation of Part D. Approximately 2,500 of the participants had "generous" prescription drug benefits before Part D began and served as the control group, while about 3,400 participants had limited drug coverage before the program began.
The study found that seniors with limited drug coverage prior to Part D spent approximately $1,200 a year less than they would have without Part D. Those who started out with generous coverage had slightly decreased costs after Part D.
The decreased costs could be attributed to fewer inpatient stays and less time at skilled nursing facilities. The decrease in these visits was about 10 percent lower than expected, according to the report. The study suggests that hospital and nursing bills may be lower for Part D seniors because easier access to medication keeps them healthier longer.
Read the U.S. News and World Report article on Medicare Part D.
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