The Role of State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs in Serving Low-Income Medicare Beneficiaries Following the Implementation of Medicare Part D


 

Publication Date: July 2007

Publisher: Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation

Author(s):

Research Area: Health

Type: Brief

Coverage: United States

Abstract:

Prior to January 1, 2006, State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs helped to fill a critical gap in coverage for Medicare beneficiaries without prescription drug coverage, targeting resources to beneficiaries with relatively low incomes. With the inception of the Medicare prescription drug benefit, the role of SPAPs began to change. This policy brief examines the role of state pharmaceutical assistance programs in the year following the implementation of the drug benefit.