African-Americans most likely to stop taking meds in Medicare Part D’s coverage gap

(By – Bert Gambini, www.buffalo.edu)

Medicare Part D provides help to beneficiaries struggling with the cost of prescriptions drugs, but the plan’s coverage gap hits some populations harder than others, particularly African-Americans age 65 and older. Reaching, or even approaching, the gap affects access to medication and influences whether those medications are taken as prescribed. “Don’t assume that the existence of Part D means that people aren’t having a difficult time affording their meds,” says Louanne Bakk, an assistant professor in the University at Buffalo School of Social Work. “There are certain groups that continue struggling with prescription drug costs regardless of this federal benefit being in place.” Read more…

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