Can restrictions on reimbursement for anti-ulcer drugs decrease Medicaid pharmacy costs without increasing hospitalizations?
OBJECTIVE
To examine the impact of a policy restricting reimbursement for Medicaid anti-ulcer drugs on anti-ulcer drug use and peptic-related hospitalizations.


METHODS
In addition to U.S. Census Bureau data, all of the following from Florida: Medicaid anti-ulcer drug claims data, 1989-1993; Medicaid eligibility data, 1989-1993; and acute care nonfederal hospital discharge abstract data (Medicaid and non-Medicaid), 1989-1993.


METHODS
In this observational study, a Poisson multiple regression model was used to compare changes, after policy implementation, in Medicaid reimbursement for prescription anti-ulcer drugs as well as hospitalization rates between pre- and post-implementation periods in Medicaid versus non-Medicaid patients hospitalized with peptic ulcer disease.


RESULTS
Following policy implementation, the rate of Medicaid reimbursement for anti-ulcer drugs decreased 33 percent (p < .001). No associated increase occurred in the rate of Medicaid peptic-related hospitalizations.


CONCLUSIONS
Florida's policy restricting Medicaid reimbursement for anti-ulcer drugs was associated with a substantial reduction in outpatient anti-ulcer drug utilization without any significant increase in the rate of hospitalization for peptic-related conditions.
Cromwell
D M
DM
Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
Bass
E B
EB
Steinberg
E P
EP
Yasui
Y
Y
Ravich
W J
WJ
Hendrix
T R
TR
McLeod
S F
SF
Moore
R D
RD
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000897:Anti-Ulcer Agents / Q000191:economics* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003363:Cost Control; D016527:Drug Costs / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004363:Drug Utilization; D005260:Female; D005431:Florida; D006760:Hospitalization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data* / Q000639:trends; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008484:Medicaid / Q000191:economics*; D008875:Middle Aged; D016134:Organizational Policy; D010437:Peptic Ulcer / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000191:economics*; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012051:Reimbursement Mechanisms / Q000191:economics* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000639:trends; D014481:United States
D000897:Anti-Ulcer Agents