New Study Shows SNAP’s Positive Impact on Medication Nonadherence Among Older Adults
By a
Lead author and co-principal investigator, Dr.
The study found that even after controlling for important predictors of CRN such as health conditions, out-of-pocket health care costs, and prescription drug coverage, on average, SNAP participants were 4.8 percentage points less likely to engage in CRN than eligible nonparticipants. SNAP participation had an even greater impact for older adults threatened by hunger and who were food insecure. These findings suggest that increasing access to SNAP may allow low-income older adults to better afford their prescription medications, which is important, not only for their health and well-being, but for reducing costly consequences of nonadherence.
"It's important to note, however," study co-author, Ms.
These results have many policy implications for state and Federal governments, as well as health insurance payers and health systems. States and the Federal government must continue to reduce barriers to SNAP participation for older adults: only about 40-45 percent of eligible, low-income older adults participate in the program. Stakeholders can also reduce the stigma associated with SNAP participation by touting the "health benefits" of participation and reframing the program as a health subsidy. Health plan sponsors, government payers, and health systems should also explore opportunities to screen for food insecurity and refer food-insecure older adult patients to community-based organizations that can help those individuals access SNAP and other resources for which they may be eligible. Finally, health plan sponsors and government payers can reimburse health systems for food security screening and referrals.
Keywords for this news article include: Business, Managed Care, Health and Medicine,
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