Journal of general internal medicine
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High and rising prescription drug costs for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) contribute to medication nonadherence and poor clinical outcomes. The recently enacted Inflation Reduction Act includes provisions that will cap out-of-pocket prescription drug spending at $2,000 per year and expand low-income subsidies. However, little is known about how these provisions will impact out-of-pocket drug spending for Medicare beneficiaries with asthma and COPD. ⋯ The Inflation Reduction Act will have major implications on out-of-pocket prescription drug spending for Medicare beneficiaries with obstructive lung disease resulting in half-a-billion dollars in total out-of-pocket savings per year, which could ultimately have implications on medication adherence and clinical outcomes.
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Medicare coverage at age 65 improves access to and use of care and alleviates financial hardship for the general population. However, less is known whether the effects differ between individuals without and with functional disability. ⋯ Medicare coverage can reduce financial hardship, especially for individuals with functional disability. However, there is a need to develop policies that ensure equitable access to care for those with functional disability.