As a follow-up to yesterday's news about the need for better education about the Medicare Part D prescription drug program, another study in the same issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, examined another healthcare problem among the elderly and disabled - cost-related medication nonadherence.

What is cost-related medication nonadherence (CRN)? It refers to skipping doses, reducing doses, or letting prescriptions go unfilled in order to reduce the cost of prescription medications. Studies have shown that CRN is common among older individuals with insufficient insurance coverage, and it is associated with a higher risk of heart attacks and strokes. In this study, investigators looked at changes in CRN before and after implementation of Medicare Part D. After analyzing data from over 14,000 participants, the investigators found a small, but significant, decrease in CRN after Part D implementation, except in patients who were seriously ill. The investigators also found that, after Medicare Part D, patients were less likely to cut back on basic needs, such as food, in order to pay for their medications.

These findings support the need for improved education regarding the intricacies of Part D for Medicare beneficiaries, not only for reducing prescription drug expenses, but also for improving adherence to medications and overall health.