Abstract 13611: Adherence to Non-VKA Oral Anticoagulant Medications Based on the Pharmacy Quality Alliance Measure

Introduction: CMS Star Ratings help inform beneficiaries about the performance of health and drug plans. Medication adherence and other pharmacy measures are currently weighted at nearly half of a Part D plan’s Star Ratings. Two, 3, 4 and 5 Star Ratings are based on achievement of adherence threshold levels (e.g. 74%, 79%, 82%, and 85% for oral diabetes medications). Including the adherence to non-VKA oral anticoagulant (NOACs) as a measure in the Star Ratings program may increase a plan’s incentives to improve patient adherence. Objective: To assess the adherence to medication of patients who used the NOACs rivaroxaban, dabigatran, or apixaban in 2014 based on the Pharmacy Quality Alliance (PQA) adherence measure. Methods: Healthcare claims from the Humana database between 07/2013 and 12/2014 were analyzed. Adult patients with ≥2 dispensings of NOAC agents in 2014, at least 180 days apart between two NOAC dispensings in 2014 (a criterion to include chronic users), with >60 days of supply, and ≥180 days o...