- A new study found that unemployment often reduces medication adherence through the subsequent loss of insurance and income. Using data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, the research team found the growth in unemployment during the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a 2.6 percent decrease in medication adherence and 57.5 million fewer prescriptions filled in 2020. They also found that unemployment-related decreases in prescription fills were highest in states without expanded Medicaid eligibility, which further underscores “the importance of social safety nets such as Medicaid during times of economic hardship.” (Study here)
February 16, 2022
Access & Coverage