Online Program

328933
Medicare Part D implementation and associated health impact among older adults in the United States


Wednesday, November 4, 2015

Cheng-Chia Chen, University of Illinois, Springfield, Springfield, IL
Hsien-Chang Lin, PhD, MA, Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University School of Public Health - Bloomington, Bloomington, IN
Dong-Chul Seo, PhD, Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University School of Public Health - Bloomington, Bloomington, IN
Objective: Studies have shown that the implementation of Medicare Part D (Part D) in 2006 is associated with reduced out-of-pocket expenses and improved drug adherence for Medicare beneficiaries. However, little is known on the change in health outcomes that are associated with this policy. The purpose of the study is to examine the effects of Part D implementation on health outcomes among the U.S. older adults.

Methods: Data were initially drawn from the 2004-2008 Health and Retirement Study (HRS). Data from the respondents who participated in the HRS 2005-2007 Prescription Drug Study and consented to share their Medicare claims were analyzed (N=746). A panel ordered logistic regression with a difference-in-differences approach was used to examine the Part D effect on patients’ health outcomes before and after Part D implementation, controlling for patient sociodemographic characteristics. Variable selection for analysis models was guided by the Andersen’s model of healthcare utilization.

Results: People with continuous Part D enrollment from 2006-2008 were (OR=0.48; p<.05) less likely to have a worse self-rated health than those who were not enrolled in Part D. A higher Charlson Comorbidity Index score was associated with a higher likelihood of having worse self-rated overall health (OR=1.12; p<.001), worse mental health (OR=1.17; p<.001), and worse activity daily living impairment (OR=1.36; p<.001).

Conclusion: The Part D implementation appears to have a positive effect on older adults’ overall health status. Reducing healthcare cost likely encourages older adults to utilize more needed medications than before, which, in turn, helps maintain better health.

Learning Areas:

Provision of health care to the public
Public health or related laws, regulations, standards, or guidelines
Public health or related public policy
Public health or related research

Learning Objectives:
Evaluate health impacts influenced by the implementation of Medicare Part D and social demographics, particularly among older adults in the United States.

Keyword(s): Aging, Medicare

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am the primary investigator of this project.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.