A recent study showed that extending Medicare Part D coverage to Medicare enrollees who previously had limited or no drug coverage may result in lowering other medical costs. (Source)
According to the study, prescription drug spending for newly enrolled beneficiaries without previous coverage rose by $41 a month, $27 a month for those who’d had a $150 quarterly cap, and $13 a month for who’d had a $350 cap. The study also found that spending for other forms of medical care for the no-previous-coverage group was $33 lower, and $46 lower for the $150-cap group; however costs for the $350-cap group were $30 higher.
The study’s authors concluded that “increased use of medication led to improved control of chronic illnesses.” Funded by the National Institutes of Health, the study covered more than 35,000 patients over four years.
