How the New Medicare Drug Benefit Could Affect Vulnerable Populations

This study estimates how out-of-pocket drug costs could change for vulnerable populations (racial and ethnic minorities, the near-poor, and seniors with a greater burden of chronic conditions) who qualify for the standard Medicare drug benefit. Although the new benefit might be associated with modest-to-moderate declines in out-of-pocket spending for seniors who do not qualify for subsidies, the savings might not be shared equitably and therefore might not reduce financial barriers to medication use for these populations. PMC1403812 (January 2006)