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Use of Prescription Drug Samples and Patient Assistance Programs, and the Role of Doctor¿Patient Communication
Seniors who have trouble paying for prescription drugs may skip doses or never fill a prescription. They also may accept free samples from their doctor or enroll in a pharmacy industry-sponsored patient assistance program (PAP).
This 2006 survey of 14,322 Medicare beneficiaries sought to characterize the users of cost-saving programs and the effect of doctor-patient communication on participation. The respondents were predominantly White (86%), and had two or more chronic conditions (71%).
Key Findings:
- 51 percent of seniors reported receiving at least one free sample in the past year; 29 percent received more than one.
- Those with higher monthly incomes (over $2,500), were 51 percent likely to receive a free sample while those with lower monthly incomes (under $800) were 44 percent likely.
- Whites received more free samples than Blacks and Hispanics (52%, 46% and 45%, respectively).
- Patients who spoke with their doctor about medication costs were more likely to receive samples than those who did not (68% versus 44%).
Only 1.3 percent of seniors reported participating in a PAP. Those who spoke to their doctor about medication costs were more likely to use PAPs than those who did not (1.9% versus 0.9%). However, those who did use PAPs were those most in need.