Population Disparities in Health Equity and Managed Care
Results from the analysis showed that the Medicaid group experienced lower pharmacy-related costs, which could be attributed to DMT use: 32.5% of Medicaid patients used DMTs versus 52.1% of commercial patients. (19) The authors noted that insufficient care coordination and patient education regarding correct use of DMTs could contribute to the higher rate of hospitalizations and MS-related complications experienced by the Medicaid group. (19)
In addition to a lack of care coordination and patient education regarding DMTs, racial and ethnic minority groups may experience coverage barriers in accessing the DMTs they need for optimal outcomes. Coverage criteria varies by insurance provider; therefore, patients receiving drug coverage from different providers may experience different levels of access and coverage for DMTs.20 High copays and lack of coverage for certain therapies limit treatment options for most patients. (21)
