Racial and ethnic disparities in Medicare Part D medication therapy management services utilization

The Medicare Part D medication therapy management (MTM) program has positive effects on medication and health service utilization. However, little is known about its utilization, much less so about the use among racial and ethnic minorities.

To examine MTM service utilization among older Medicare beneficiaries and to identify any racial and ethnic disparity patterns.

A retrospective cross-sectional analysis of 2017 Medicare administrative data, linked to the Area Health Resources Files. Fourteen outcomes related to MTM service nature, initiation, quantity, and delivery were examined using logistic, negative binomial, and Cox proportional hazards regression models.

Racial and ethnic disparities were found with varying patterns across outcomes. For example, compared with White patients, the odds of opting out of MTM were 8% higher for Black patients (odds ratio [OR] = 1.08, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.03-1.14), 57% higher for Hispanic patients (OR = 1.57, 95% CI = 1.42-1.72), and 57% higher for Asian patients (OR = 1.57, 95% CI = 1.33-1.85). The odds of continuing MTM from the previous years were 12% lower for Black patients (OR = 0.88, 95% CI = 0.86-0.90) and 3% lower for other patients (OR = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.95-0.99). In addition, the probability of being offered a comprehensive medication review (CMR) after MTM enrollment was 9% lower for Hispanic patients (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.85-0.97), 9% lower for Asian patients (HR = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.87-0.94), and 3% lower for other patients (HR = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.95-0.99). Hispanic and Asian patients were more likely to have someone other than themselves receive a CMR.

Racial and ethnic disparities in MTM service utilization were identified. Although the disparities in specific utilization outcomes vary across racial/ethnic groups, it is evident that these disparities exist and may result in vulnerable communities not fully benefiting from the MTM services. Causes of the disparities should be explored to inform future reform of the Medicare Part D MTM program.