A recent study published in JAMA Network Open has found that Medicare Part D reforms, including the Inflation Reduction Act's $35 monthly cap on insulin, have significantly reduced cost-related medication non-adherence among older adults with cardiovascular disease or major risk factors. The research analyzed data from 2019 to 2022, showing a notable decline in beneficiaries skipping doses, delaying refills, or not taking medications due to cost after the provisions took effect.
The study's lead author, Dr. Rishi Wadhera of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, stated the findings demonstrate the real-world impact of policy changes designed to lower out-of-pocket drug costs. The analysis focused on Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 and older with conditions like coronary artery disease, stroke, diabetes, or hyperlipidemia.
While the $35 insulin cap, which began in 2023, was a key factor, researchers noted that other provisions like free vaccines and lower costs for certain Part D drugs also contributed to the improvement. The study concludes that these policies are associated with meaningful reductions in financial barriers to essential medications for a high-risk population.
