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Functional Limitations, Medication Support, and Responses to Drug Costs among Medicare Beneficiaries

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  • Christopher Whaley
  • Mary Reed
  • John Hsu
  • Vicki Fung

Abstract

Objective: Standard Medicare Part D prescription drug benefits include substantial and complex cost-sharing. Many beneficiaries also have functional limitations that could affect self-care capabilities, including managing medications, but also have varying levels of social support to help with these activities. We examined the associations between drug cost responses, functional limitations, and social support. Data Sources and Study Setting: We conducted telephone interviews in a stratified random sample of community-dwelling Medicare Advantage beneficiaries (N = 1,201, response rate = 70.0%). Participants reported their functional status (i.e., difficulty with activities of daily living) and social support (i.e., receiving help with medications). Drug cost responses included cost-reducing behaviors, cost-related non-adherence, and financial stress. Study Design: We used multivariate logistic regression to assess associations among functional status, help with medications, and drug cost responses, adjusting for patient characteristics. Principal Findings: Respondents with multiple limitations who did not receive help with their medications were more likely to report cost-related non-adherence (OR = 3.2, 95% CI: 1.2–8.5) and financial stress (OR = 2.4, 95% CI: 1.3–4.5) compared to subjects with fewer limitations and no help; however, those with multiple limitations and with medication help had similar odds of unfavorable cost responses as those with fewer limitations. Conclusion: The majority of beneficiaries with functional limitations did not receive help with medications. Support with medication management for beneficiaries who have functional limitations could improve adherence and outcomes.

Suggested Citation

  • Christopher Whaley & Mary Reed & John Hsu & Vicki Fung, 2015. "Functional Limitations, Medication Support, and Responses to Drug Costs among Medicare Beneficiaries," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 10(12), pages 1-11, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0144236
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0144236
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Deborah Peikes & Arnold Chen & Jennifer Schore & Randall Brown, 2009. "Effects of Care Coordination on Hospitalization, Quality of Care, and Health Care Expenditures Among Medicare Beneficiaries: 15 Randomized Trials," Mathematica Policy Research Reports ce70f11be1b44e2c8590b9cf5, Mathematica Policy Research.
    2. repec:mpr:mprres:7319 is not listed on IDEAS
    3. repec:mpr:mprres:6184 is not listed on IDEAS
    4. Congressional Budget Office, 2013. "Rising Demand for Long-Term Services and Supports for Elderly People," Reports 44363, Congressional Budget Office.
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    Cited by:

    1. David R. Axon & Humza Ullah, 2023. "A Retrospective Database Study of Health Costs among United States Older Adults Who Documented Having Pain and Functional Impairment," Disabilities, MDPI, vol. 3(2), pages 1-10, April.

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