Pharmaceutical Cost-Saving Strategies and their Association with Medication Adherence in a Medicare Supplement Population.

Background: On average, Medicare Supplement insureds take about seven unique prescription medications each year, resulting in substantial out-of-pocket drug copayments, in addition to Medicare Supplement and Part D premiums. To help alleviate this financial burden, many individuals resort to cost-saving strategies that are not trackable by Part D insurance plans, likely resulting in an underestimation of medication adherence rates.

Objective: We aimed to estimate utilization rates of cost-saving strategies, measure member characteristics associated with these strategies and estimate if these strategies are associated with medication adherence.

Propensity to Succeed: Prioritizing Individuals Most Likely to Benefit from Care Coordination.

The objective was to develop a propensity to succeed (PTS) process for prioritizing outreach to individuals with Medicare Supplement (ie, Medigap) plans who qualified for a high-risk case management (HRCM) program. Demographic, socioeconomic, health status, and local health care supply data from previous HRCM program participants and nonparticipants were obtained from Medigap membership and health care claims data and public data sources. Three logistic regression models were estimated to find members with higher probabilities of engaging in the HRCM program, receiving high quality of care once engaged, and incurring enough monetary savings related to program participation to more than offset program costs.

Evaluation of a high-risk case management pilot program for Medicare beneficiaries with Medigap coverage.

The objective was to evaluate the 3-year experience of a high-risk case management (HRCM) pilot program for adults with an AARP Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Insurance Plan. Participants were provided in-person visits as well as telephonic and mailed services to improve care coordination from December 1, 2008, to December 31, 2011. Included were adults who had an AARP Medigap Insurance Plan, resided in 1 of 5 pilot states, and had a Hierarchical Condition Category score>3.

Factors driving engagement decisions in care coordination programs.

Purpose Of The Study: To find out why individuals choose to engage, disengage, or not to engage in care coordination programs that are meant to improve their health and better navigate the medical care system.

Primary Practice Setting: Care coordination program designed for individuals with an AARP Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan.

Methodology And Sample: A 2-phase study was used involving insureds eligible for disease, depression, or case management programs.

Obese older adults report high satisfaction and positive experiences with care.

Background: Obese, older adults often have multiple chronic conditions resulting in multiple health care encounters. However, their satisfaction and experiences with care are not well understood. The objective of this study was to examine the independent impact of obesity on patient satisfaction and experiences with care in adults 65 years of age and older with Medigap insurance.

The burden of depressive symptoms and various chronic conditions and health concerns on the quality of life among those with Medicare Supplement Insurance.

Objective: This study aims to estimate the burden of currently having depressive symptoms on quality of life independently and in combination with various chronic conditions/health concerns among adults with Medicare Supplement Insurance (i.e., Medigap) coverage.