How The New Medicare Drug Benefit Could Affect Vulnerable Populations

Gellad, W. F.Huskamp, HaidenPhillips, K. A.Haas, Jennifer2018-06-202006Gellad, W. F., H. A. Huskamp, K. A. Phillips, and J. S. Haas. 2006. “How The New Medicare Drug Benefit Could Affect Vulnerable Populations.” Health Affairs 25 (1) (January 1): 248–255. doi:10.1377/hlthaff.25.1.248.0278-2715http://nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:HUL.InstRepos:37136774This study estimates how out-of-pocket drug costs could change for vulnerable populations (racial and ethnic minorities, the near-poor, and seniors with a greater burden of chronic conditions) who qualify for the standard Medicare drug benefit. Although the new benefit might be associated with modest-to-moderate declines in out-of-pocket spending for seniors who do not qualify for subsidies, the savings might not be shared equitably and therefore might not reduce financial barriers to medication use for these populations.en-USHow The New Medicare Drug Benefit Could Affect Vulnerable PopulationsJournal Article2018-06-2010.1377/hlthaff.25.1.248