![]() The manuscript was primarily written by Spencer and Suda, with assistance from the other authors, and revised by Spencer, along with the other authors.ĭuring the period when PDE-5 inhibitors were allowed on the Medicare Part D formulary, PDE-5 inhibitor prescriptions from VA pharmacies decreased, while PDE-5 inhibitor fills from Medicare-reimbursed pharmacies increased. Data interpretation was performed by Spencer and Suda, along with Smith and Stroupe and assisted by Huo and Bailey. Huo, Bailey, and Stroupe took the lead in data collection, assisted by the other authors. Study concept and design were contributed by Smith and Stroupe, assisted by the other authors. The views expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Department of Veterans Affairs or Health Services Research and Development Service. ![]() ![]() This may be especially true for nonformulary and lifestyle medications.ĭISCLOSURES: The authors received funding support for this research project from the Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, Health Services Research and Development Service as grant IIR 07-165-2. Veterans with access to non-VA health care may obtain medications from the private sector because of VA restrictions. Medication policies outside the VA can affect medication use. However, after removal of PDE-5 inhibitors from the Part D formulary, use of VA pharmacies for PDE-5 inhibitors resumed. In October 2007, VA PDE-5 inhibitor use returned to 2005 levels.ĬONCLUSIONS: Implementation of Medicare Part D reduced VA PDE-5 inhibitor acquisition. While Part D accounted for only 10% of PDE-5 inhibitor 30-day equivalents, it equaled 29.2% of dispensed tablets. Part D prescriptions increased through 2006 (full coverage period) and 2007 (accidental partial coverage) and decreased in 2008. With the inception of Medicare Part D in 2006, the number of patients filling prescriptions for PDE-5 inhibitors (-68%) and total number of PDE-5 inhibitor 30-day equivalents dispensed (-86.7%) from the VA decreased. The VA group was more likely to have comorbidities, smoke, and have a history of substance abuse (P < 0.001). The Part D-only group was older, more frequently not black, had a VA copay, and had a higher income (P < 0.03). RESULTS: From 2005 to 2009, the majority (85.2%) of veterans used VA benefits exclusively for their PDE-5 inhibitors 11.4% used Medicare Part D exclusively and 3.4% were dual users. T-tests and chi-square tests were applied as appropriate. Veterans were categorized by PDE-5 inhibitor claims: VA-only, Part D-only, or dual users of VA and Part D-reimbursed pharmacies. METHODS: Veterans aged > 66 years who received PDE-5 inhibitors between 20 were included. OBJECTIVE: To characterize phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor (PDE-5) medication use among veterans who were dually eligible for Veterans Affairs (VA) and Medicare Part D benefits. Medicare Part D included ED medications on the formulary during 2006 and inadvertently in 2007-2008. BACKGROUND: Erectile dysfunction (ED) medications are therapeutically effective and associated with satisfaction. ![]()
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