Decreasing Rx co-payments boost drug adherence by chronic disease patients

Removing economic barriers to treatment for chronic conditions encourages patients to remain on recommended therapies, according to a new study published in the January/February 2008 issue of Health Affairs. The study, funded in part by GlaxoSmithKline, investigated the impact on medication adherence of reducing prescription co-payments—in addition to existing disease management programs—for employees of a leading service industry company. "The Impact of Decreasing Co-payments on Medication Adherence in the Context of a Disease Management Program" covered a 12-month study. Co-payment rates for generic medications were reduced from $5 to $0; co-payments for branded drugs were cut in half.

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