Patients in low-income areas more sensitive to co-payment changes

The relationship between medication adherence and income level may contribute to the disparities in health observed across socioeconomic groups, according to a recent study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine.

The study, funded by GlaxoSmithKline, investigated whether individuals who reside in low-income areas are more strongly influenced by rising prescription drug co-payments than individuals residing in higher income areas.

"Based on our analysis, it is likely that increased co-payments, intended to control costs, will exacerbate the disparities seen across socioeconomic groups," Michael Chernew, PhD, professor, Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, said in a statement released by GlaxoSmithKline.

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