1. Can restrictions on reimbursement for anti-ulcer drugs decrease Medicaid pharmacy costs without increasing hospitalizations?
- Author
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Cromwell, David M., Bass, Eric B., Cromwell, D M, Bass, E B, Steinberg, E P, Yasui, Y, Ravich, W J, Hendrix, T R, McLeod, S F, and Moore, R D
- Subjects
PEPTIC ulcer ,ULCER treatment ,HEALTH policy ,MEDICAID ,ECONOMIC impact ,MEDICAL care cost statistics ,COMPARATIVE studies ,COST control ,DECISION making ,DRUG utilization ,HOSPITAL care ,GASTROINTESTINAL agents ,MANAGEMENT ,RESEARCH methodology ,MEDICAL cooperation ,REGRESSION analysis ,RESEARCH ,RESEARCH funding ,HEALTH insurance reimbursement ,EVALUATION research ,ECONOMICS ,THERAPEUTICS - Abstract
Objective: To examine the impact of a policy restricting reimbursement for Medicaid anti-ulcer drugs on anti-ulcer drug use and peptic-related hospitalizations.Data Sources/study Setting: In addition to U.S. Census Bureau data, all of the following from Florida: Medicaid anti-ulcer drug claims data, 1989-1993; Medicaid eligibility data, 1989-1993; and acute care nonfederal hospital discharge abstract data (Medicaid and non-Medicaid), 1989-1993.Study Design: In this observational study, a Poisson multiple regression model was used to compare changes, after policy implementation, in Medicaid reimbursement for prescription anti-ulcer drugs as well as hospitalization rates between pre- and post-implementation periods in Medicaid versus non-Medicaid patients hospitalized with peptic ulcer disease.Principal Findings: Following policy implementation, the rate of Medicaid reimbursement for anti-ulcer drugs decreased 33 percent (p < .001). No associated increase occurred in the rate of Medicaid peptic-related hospitalizations.Conclusions: Florida's policy restricting Medicaid reimbursement for anti-ulcer drugs was associated with a substantial reduction in outpatient anti-ulcer drug utilization without any significant increase in the rate of hospitalization for peptic-related conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 1999