How about this as a case of cost shifting? Some states are considering whether to cut off aid for patients who will reach the doughnut hole in their Medicare Part D coverage (that gap in coverage that starts when benefits exceed $2700 of the beneficiaries’ cost of care). Considering the average patient over 65 years of age takes at least 5 prescription medications, the cost savings to bring aid to patients in the Part D coverage gap may pale in comparison to the costs to treat them when they get sick as a result. Hospitalization occurs, and, well, we all know what happens to the cost of healthcare once preventive services are shifted to the acute care realm. | LINK

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