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Increasing medication access to transplant recipients.
1Department of Clinical and Administrative Pharmacy, University of Georgia College of Pharmacy, Medical College of Georgia, CJ-1020, Augusta, GA 30912-2450, USA. Mchishol@mail.mcg.edu
Clinical Transplantation
|April 28, 2004
Summary
High medication costs threaten transplant recipient health. This review details programs like Medicare and pharmaceutical assistance to improve access and compliance for vital post-transplant medications.
Area of Science:
- Medical Sciences
- Health Services Research
- Pharmacoeconomics
Background:
- Transplant recipients require lifelong immunosuppression and supportive medications.
- Annual post-transplant medication costs exceed $12,000, with rising expenses.
- Many Americans lack adequate health insurance, impacting medication access.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of programs enhancing medication access for transplant recipients.
- To highlight the importance of healthcare provider awareness of financial assistance resources.
- To discuss the consequences of medication non-compliance in this population.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing medication access programs.
- Analysis of government-sponsored programs (Medicare, Medicaid, etc.).
- Examination of pharmaceutical manufacturer patient assistance programs.
Main Results:
- Several programs exist to mitigate medication costs for transplant patients.
- Medicare, Medigap, Medicaid, and Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries offer coverage options.
- Pharmaceutical manufacturers provide direct assistance programs.
Conclusions:
- Understanding and utilizing available financial assistance programs is crucial.
- Improved medication access can enhance graft survival and patient health outcomes.
- Proactive management of medication costs is essential for long-term transplant success.