New HCFO Grant Announced

Grant No.: 58731   
Title: Impact of MMA Part D on Medicare Residents in Nursing Homes   
Institution: University of Massachusetts Medical School   
Principal Investigator: Becky Briesacher, Ph.D.   
Grant Duration: January 1, 2007 - June 30, 2008   
Paragraph Summary: The applicants will evaluate the impact of the transfer of prescription drug coverage for dual-eligibles (Medicare and Medicaid) living in nursing homes from Medicaid to Medicare Part D, as required by the MMA. In particular, they will: 1) measure the rates of enrollment into Medicare Part D for nursing home residents from 2005 to 2007; 2) assess the impact of Medicare Part D on overall prescription drug utilization patterns; 3) identify the major drug classes most affected by the program, including an examination of benzodiazepines and their exclusion from Part D coverage; and 4) determine the impact of Medicare Part D on overall rates of hospitalizations and falls, as indicators of quality care. The objective of the project is to better inform state and federal policymakers about the impact of Medicare Part D on drug utilization, as well as quality (measured by hospitalizations and falls). 
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