US Medicare coverage gap leads to drop in drug therapy for cholesterol patients

US seniors battling high cholesterol are more likely to stop taking their medications once they reach the Medicare coverage gap, a result that may put them at higher risk for heart attack and stroke.

New research from Medco Health Solutions finds that Medicare beneficiaries prescribed cholesterol lowering statins are nearly twice as likely to abandon their cholesterol-fighting medications when they reach the Coverage gap, or "donut hole," and become responsible for paying the entire cost of their medications, than they are in the initial phase of the benefit when the cost of the medication is covered. Studies show that these medicines - known as statins - significantly reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke for patients with high cholesterol.

The Medco analysis further reveals that Medicare Part D recipients prescribed branded cholesterol-lowering statins are most at risk since they are more likely to stop taking their medications than those using a generic drug. The study shows that during 2007, the rate of patients who suspended generic statin treatment was 20% lower than those on a brand-name medication.