The Effects Of Polypharmacy On Medication Non-Adherence For Medicare Part D Beneficiaries With A Diagnosis Of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

While Medicare Part D is an effective way to provide Medicare beneficiaries with drug prescription coverage, it does fail some beneficiaries because of the coverage gap, which is often referred to as the donut hole. Individuals with a diagnosis of Type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are more likely to reach the donut hole because of the use of multiple medications, often referred to as polypharmacy, that is used to treat the multiple comorbidities that commonly arise with a diagnosis of T2DM. The beneficiaries that are most affected by the donut hole are individuals living on a fixed retirement income who cannot afford to have their monthly medication price increase with the entrance into the coverage gap. This may result in cost-related non-adherence which can further complicate the beneficiary’s health conditions. Looking at this issue from a wide spectrum to understand the beneficiary’s economic barriers to health can aid these beneficiaries in affording their medication and maintaining their health.