The Prevalence and Predictors of Low-Cost Generic Program Use in a Nationally Representative Uninsured Population

The uninsured population has much to gain from affordable sources of prescription medications. No prior studies have assessed the prevalence and predictors of low-cost generic drug programs (LCGP) use in the uninsured population in the United States. A cross-sectional study was conducted using data...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Pharmacy 2016-03, Vol.4 (1), p.14
Main Authors: Brown, Joshua D, Pauly, Nathan J, Talbert, Jeffery C
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
access
generic drug discount programs
generic drugs
low-cost generic
MEPS
uninsured
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Summary:The uninsured population has much to gain from affordable sources of prescription medications. No prior studies have assessed the prevalence and predictors of low-cost generic drug programs (LCGP) use in the uninsured population in the United States. A cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) during 2007-2012 including individuals aged 18 and older who were uninsured for the entire 2-year period they were in MEPS. The proportions of LCGP fills and users was tracked each year and logistic regression was used to assess significant factors associated with LCGP use. A total of 8.3 million uninsured individuals were represented by the sample and 39.9% of these used an LCGP. Differences between users and non-users included higher age, gender, year of participation, and number of medications filled. The proportion of fills and users via LCGPs increased over the 2007-2012 study period. Healthcare providers, especially pharmacists, should make uninsured patients aware of this source of affordable medications.
ISSN:2226-4787
2226-4787
DOI:10.3390/pharmacy4010014