Objectives. This study estimates national prevalence rates for cost-associated medication noncompliance and resulting health problems among adults of all ages with disabilities, and identifies risk factors for cost-associated noncompliance.
Methods. Regression models of self-reported noncompliance with prescription regimens due to cost, using the Adult Disability Follow-Back Survey, a supplement to the 1994 and 1995 National Health Interview Survey.
Results. About 1.3 million adults with disabilities do not take their medications as prescribed because of cost, and over half report health problems as a result. Younger age cohorts were less likely to be prescribed medications, but significantly more likely to be noncompliant due to cost.
Conclusions. Medication affordability and prescription compliance are problems for many adults with chronic disease or disability, but rates of cost-associated noncompliance are significantly higher among younger cohorts, suggesting that the current debate on Medicare drug coverage is ignoring a large and clinically important population.
Learning Objectives: N/A
Keywords: Drug Use Variation, Disability Policy
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.