Reducing barriers to medication access and adherence for ACA and Medicaid participants: a peer-to-peer,...

To identify how peer-to-peer support programs empower patients by improving health literacy and providing education on important patient issues, including increasing access and reducing barriers to life-saving medications and how these programs improve patient outcomes.

A review of current literature, identification of gaps in research, and case studies.

An analysis of data collected from the cluster sample and a review of secondary data from patient case studies were used to create a theoretical framework of community-based, peer support services. The research examines how peer-to-peer support services empower and educate patients to improve access and adherence to critical medications. Mended Hearts is made up of such peer support groups, comprising heart patients and caregivers; it studies patient populations in addition to piloting new programs.

Patients who receive peer-to-peer support services are more empowered and educated, and as a result, are able to make better healthcare choices and access resources that reduce many of the barriers that Affordable Care Act exchange and Medicaid participants face.

Peer-to-peer support and education models reduce barriers to accessing medications and improve medication adherence, which subsequently improve patient outcomes.