November 2008 - Special Issue

Comparison of the generosity and consistency of 10 states' Medicaid preferred drug lists for the top therapeutic classes revealed a large degree of inconsistency.

Adopting quality measurement standards for drug management programs might increase the effectiveness and long-term sustainability of positive health outcomes for patients.

Analysis of Medicare Part D formulary composition since program inception suggests beneficiaries may not be using their open-enrollment periods to reevaluate available plan offerings.

Switching medications for nonmedical (formulary) reasons in long-term care settings may increase Medicare Part D resident adverse effects and raise facility downstream costs.

As a result of Medicare Part D, elderly patients' out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs decreased and their utilization increased, mostly from 2005-2006.

Primary care physicians have mixed views of prescription drug coverage under Medicare Part D.