Effect of Free Medicine Distribution on Health Care Costs in Canada Over 3 Years: A Secondary Analysis of the CLEAN Meds Randomized Clinical Trial.

ABSTRACT:

Importance

Few interventions are proven to reduce total health care costs, and addressing cost-related nonadherence has the potential to do so.

Objective

To determine the effect of eliminating out-of-pocket medication fees on total health care costs.

Design, setting, and participants

This secondary analysis of a multicenter randomized clinical trial using a prespecified outcome took place across 9 primary care sites in Ontario, Canada (6 in Toronto and 3 in rural areas), where health care services are generally publicly funded. Adult patients (≥18 years old) reporting cost-related nonadherence to medicines in the past 12 months were recruited between June 1, 2016, and April 28, 2017, and followed up until April 28, 2020. Data analysis was completed in 2021.

Interve

SUBMITTER: Persaud N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10220517 | biostudies-literature | 2023 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature