Benzodiazepine use and expenditures for Medicare beneficiaries and the implications of Medicare Part D exclusions.

This study explores benzodiazepine expenditure and utilization and the effects of Medicare Part D’s benzodiazepine exclusion on utilization.  The study discovered that 13.7 percent of Medicare beneficiaries received Benzodiazepines in 2002 and that utilization and access were tied to drug coverage.  These results lead to the conclusion that Part D’s exclusions will affect access and utilization of benzodiazepines and their substitutes.   

Yang, H. W., Simoni-Wastila, L., Zuckerman, I. H., & Stuart, B. (2008). Benzodiazepine use and expenditures for Medicare beneficiaries and the implications of Medicare Part D exclusions. Psychiatric Services, 59(4), 384-91. DOI: 10.1176/appi.ps.59.4.384 http://psychservices.psychiatryonline.org/cgi/content/abstract/59/4/384

Authors: Hui-wen Keri Yang, Linda Simoni-Wastila, Ilene H. Zuckerman, Bruce Stuart.