Medication Adherence for Diabetes (MAD) is a Part D Star Measure introduced by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. It ensures diabetic Medicare patients 18 years and older adhere to their prescribed drug therapy. Those who meet the following criteria during the measurement year are part of the measure population:
NOTE: Members taking less than 80% of prescribed diabetes medications fail the measure.
Medicare patients are excluded from this measure if they have any of the following conditions documented:
Medication adherence plays an important role in both patient outcomes and healthcare quality. Better adherence is associated with fewer hospitalizations and lower healthcare costs. Adherence measures also contribute to Medicare star ratings that help plans offer competitive benefits and premiums.
The following strategies can help providers support medication adherence and improve patient outcomes:
Medication adherence is influenced by a variety of factors. The barriers below are some of the most common challenges that can affect a patient's ability to start, continue, or correctly use prescribed medications:
Consider opportunities to simplify treatment regimens when clinically appropriate. For some patients, reducing the number of daily doses or aligning medication schedules with established routines may help support adherence.
For eligible patients taking immediate-release metformin, an extended-release formulation may reduce dosing frequency and simplify the treatment regimen.
When possible, consider changing prescriptions from 30-day supplies to 90- or 180-day supplies for maintenance medications. For members who struggle to conistently go in to refill their medications, Intermountain home delivery pharmacy services are available at no addition cost.
The following classes of medications are included in this measure:
Pharmacy Services can answer questions about the Medication Adherence for Diabetes measure and how to support your Medicare patients.