Investigating the cost implications of including all respiratory medicines in PCRS schemes

This study estimates the additional cost to the State to pay for all respiratory medicines through the Primary Care Reimbursement Service (PCRS) schemes, reducing cost barriers to medication as a complement to existing chronic disease management programmes. Previous literature found higher medication adherence rates amongst medical card patients than those that had to pay or co-pay themselves.

A review of medication expenditure on the PCRS schemes from 2005 to 2015. Data on medicines sold into and out of pharmacies was used to estimate the proportion to PCRS schemes or private. Scenario analyses were conducted to estimate what the cost to the State would be to provide funding for all respiratory medicines.

Trend analysis findings showed that respiratory medicines have been less than 10% of total PCRS medicine expenditure for the years reviewed. The largest portion of the respiratory medicine expenditure is allocated to 'drugs for obstructive pulmonary disorder' (OPD), ranging from 90% in 2005 to 69% in 2015. Eighty-seven per cent of drugs to treat OPD are dispensed publicly and 13% privately. A scenario analysis estimated that the extra cost to the State to be €20.2 m.

Respiratory disease is included in the Irish Government's chronic disease management programme. This aims to deliver optimal care in the most appropriate setting so as to improve health outcomes and quality of life. Medication adherence is imperative to achieving these aims. Reducing cost barriers as a complement to other initiatives may improve medicine adherence thereby improving the effectiveness of disease management and patient outcomes.