Impact of the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003 on utilization and spending for medicare part B-covered biologics in rheumatoid arthritis.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To examine changes in utilization and expenditures for infliximab in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients associated with the 2 changes implemented by the Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and Modernization Act (MMA) of 2003, specifically 1) reductions in physician reimbursement for Part B drugs between 2003 and 2005 and 2) availability of alternative RA biologics in 2006.

Methods

Using 2002-2006 5% Medicare files, nationally representative estimates of infliximab use and expenditures were estimated in annual cross-sectional samples of RA beneficiaries. Infliximab initiation and continuation rates were estimated in 2-year longitudinal cohorts (2005-2006 versus 2002-2003, 2003-2004, and 2004-2005).

Results

Total payments (in 2006 dollars) for infliximab in

SUBMITTER: Doshi JA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3007602 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature