Differential Effects by Mental Health Status of Filling the Medicare Part D Coverage Gap.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

The objective of this study was to study how changes in insurance benefit design affect medication use of older adults with mental disorders.

Data sources

US Medicare claims data from 2007 to 2018.

Study design

Exploiting the gradual elimination of the Medicare prescription drug coverage gap beginning in 2011, we examine the effects on medication use and out-of-pocket spending by drug type with a difference-in-differences approach. We identify subpopulations by mental disorder and compare the estimates across mental health groups and to the general Medicare population.

Principal findings

Closing the gap substantially reduced individuals' out-of-pocket spending, and the reduction was larger for those with more severe mental disorders. The policy led to

SUBMITTER: Liu J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8813000 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature