Abstract
Background
The presence of angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) on the formularies of Medicare Part D prescription drug plans (PDPs) is vitally important to the health of seniors who cannot tolerate angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors.
Objective
To determine whether ARBs are present on the formularies of PDPs and how the prescription cost-sharing for ARBs under Part D compares to cost-sharing before Part D.
Design/Participants
Cross-sectional analyses of March 2006 Medicare Part D formularies (n = 1,446) and of ARB utilization and cost-sharing for adults over the age of 64 included in the nationally representative Medical Expenditure Panel Survey.
Main Outcome Measures
(1) Presence of ARBs on Part D formularies. (2) Average out-of-pocket costs for 30-day supply of ARBs before and after Part D (both in 2006 dollars).
Results
All PDP formularies included at least 1 ARB. Most plans covered 2 ARBs (41%) and 35% covered all 7. The average monthly copay for the most commonly used ARB, valsartan, is $28 under part D, $14 before Part D for individuals with prescription coverage, and $53 before Part D for individuals without coverage.
Conclusions
Whereas ARBs are present on all Part D formularies, many seniors will pay more for these drugs under Part D. Any savings in copayments under Part D may be erased by the monthly premium and by more expensive cost-sharing when seniors reach the ‘donut hole’.
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Acknowledgments/Financial Support
This work was supported by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (P01 HS10771 and P01 HS 10856). Dr. Gellad was supported by an Institutional National Research Service Award #5T32 HP11001-18.
Potential Conflicts of Interest
None Disclosed.
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Gellad, W.F., Huskamp, H.A., Phillips, K.A. et al. Angiotensin Receptor Blockers on the Formularies of Medicare Drug Plans. J GEN INTERN MED 22, 1172–1175 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11606-007-0235-z
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11606-007-0235-z