A drug plan with the most restrictive eligibility criteria enrolled just 0.2 percent of beneficiaries compared to another plan with more generous eligibility criteria, which enrolled 57 percent of its beneficiaries.

Improper use of and non-adherence to evidence-based medications remain leading causes of poor outcomes and increased health care costs for many Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes, heart failure, and COPD.

Bruce Stuart, PhD, receives ASCP’s George F. Archambault Award in recognition of his contributions to consultant and senior care pharmacy.

Findings show poor medication adherence costs an extra $49 to $840 per Medicare beneficiary, per month.

Heart failure and diabetes patients in the north paid more, adhered more to use of Part D drugs in first two years of the Medicare option, says School of Pharmacy professor.