Table 1. Characteristics of Beneficiaries Using Ultra-Expensive Drugs, 2019.
| Characteristic | No. (%)a | |
|---|---|---|
| Part D (n = 37 324) | Commercial insurance (n = 24 159) | |
| Gender | ||
| Female | 19 021 (51.0)b | 14 731 (61.0) |
| Male | 18 303 (49.0) | 9428 (39.0) |
| Age, y | <65: 3840 (10.3) | 45-49: 5143 (21.3) |
| 65-69: 7854 (21.0) | 50-54: 5628 (23.3) | |
| 70-74: 9334 (25.0) | 55-59: 6730 (27.9) | |
| ≥75: 16 296 (43.7) | 60-64: 6658 (27.6) | |
| Using ≥3 branded medications | 15 898 (42.6)b | 6942 (28.7) |
| Plan typec | Part D (n = 37 245) | Commercial insurance (n = 23 602) |
| MAPD: 13 130 (35.3) | HMO: 3029 (12.8) | |
| Stand-alone PDP: 24 115 (64.8) | PPO: 11 639 (49.3) | |
| HDHP: 2496 (10.6) | ||
| Other: 6438 (27.3) | ||
Abbreviations: HDHP, high-deductible health plan; HMO, health maintenance organization; MAPD, Medicare Advantage prescription drug plan; PDP, prescription drug plan; PPO, preferred provider organization.
a
Percentages may not sum to 100 due to rounding.
b
P < .001 using Pearson χ2 test.
c
Excludes beneficiaries who switched plans during the year.