HCFO Policy Brief--State Pharmacy Assistance Programs at a Crossroads: How Will They Respond to the Medicare Drug Benefit?

This policy brief presents results of a recent study examining the implementation experience of State Pharmacy Assistance Programs (SPAPs) and their initial responses to the new Medicare drug benefit. These results should be of interest to state policymakers examining future options, to federal policymakers implementing and monitoring the new Medicare drug benefit, and to beneficiary groups concerned with consumers’ drug choices and coverage.