Advancing health equity through medication formulary policy

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Health Equity
• Pharmaceutical Policy

Background:

• Growing awareness of health disparities in the US.
• Equitable medication access (pharmacoequity) is essential for equitable healthcare.
• Medication formularies significantly impact medication access.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify critical formulary design elements that influence medication access.
• To explore strategies for refining formulary policies to promote pharmacoequity.
• To emphasize the importance of addressing disparities in medication access for vulnerable populations.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of key formulary design elements: clinical criteria, prescription processes, and patient access policies.
• Identification of specific refinements to enhance equitable medication access.
• Focus on optimizing factors like prior authorization, cost, and convenience.

Main Results:

• Refinements in formulary design can improve equitable medication access.
• Addressing behavioral determinants and streamlining processes are key.
• Optimizing access to treatments for disproportionately affected conditions is critical.

Conclusions:

• Policy makers must prioritize pharmacoequity in formulary design.
• Strategies include educating leadership, investing in patient data, and community engagement.
• Changes in formulary policy are vital for advancing health equity.