Most Medicare Part D beneficiaries have access to most drug classes despite wide variations in formularies, according to a report in the June 20 issue of JAMA.
Most Medicare Part D beneficiaries have access to most drug classes despite wide variations in formularies, according to a report in the June 20 issue of JAMA. In the analysis of 72 formularies available in California and Hawaii, the researchers found that coverage for 75 specific drugs ranged from 7% to 100% of formularies and averaged 69% across all drugs. Formulary coverage was highest for thiazide diuretics (90%) and beta-blockers (85%), while only 49% of statins and 39% of angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) were covered in the formularies. Previous studies indicate that two-thirds of clinicians say they lack familiarity with Part D formularies, and three-fourths have been asked by pharmacies or patients to change a prescription to a different drug so that it would be covered by the patient's plan. Currently, there are 1,875 prescription drug plans in the Medicare Part D program.
To see more Hot off the Press news articles, click here.
To go to the Drug Topics homepage, click here.
FDA’s Recent Exemptions: What Do They Mean as We Finalize DSCSA Implementation?
October 31st 2024Kala Shankle, Vice President of Regulatory Affairs with the Healthcare Distribution Alliance, and Ilisa Bernstein, President of Bernstein Rx Solutions, LLC, discussed recent developments regarding the Drug Supply Chain Security Act.