Do drug benefits help medicare beneficiaries afford prescribed drugs?

Abstract

We surveyed a random sample of 1,500 elderly people with chronic diseases who were enrolled in eight Medicare+Choice plans with a zero-premium, $200-$300 annual drug benefit and no deductible. An estimated 32 percent did not fill a prescription or reduced a prescribed dosage because of out-of-pocket costs. Lower drug benefits, higher out-of-pocket costs, lower income, and poorer health were associated with underuse of medications. Drug benefits with high out-of-pocket costs might not be effective for beneficiaries who use medications for chronic diseases, especially those with low incomes.