Study: ACA's newly insured fill more prescriptions, with lower out-of-pocket costs

A study published online today in Health Affairs compares prescription fills and out-of-pocket spending for a panel of 6.7 million prescription drug users before and after the Affordable Care Act’s implementation. The newly insured people filled, on average, 28% more prescriptions and had 29% less out-of-pocket spending per prescription in 2014 compared to 2013. Those gaining Medicaid coverage had larger increases in prescription fill rates (79%) and reductions in out-of-pocket spending per prescription (58%) than those who gained private insurance.