Free online tool helps prostate cancer patients save on out-of-pocket drug costs

A study shows that comparing Medicare Part D prescription plans can lead to significant savings in cost of cancer care

11:15 AM

Author | Nicole Fawcett

man at table writing down in living room
Getty Images

A free online tool could potentially save some prostate cancer patients more than $9,000 in out-of-pocket drug costs, a study finds.

For patients enrolled in Medicare Part D prescription drug plans, out of pocket costs can vary significantly.

But by using an online Medicare plan finder tool, patients can compare pricing among all Part D drug plans offered in their area and select the most affordable plan.

Researchers from the University of Michigan Health Rogel Cancer Center found that the Medicare Part D Plan Finder, which is funded by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, can identify significant savings for patients taking abiraterone or enzalutamide, two common prescription drugs for advanced prostate cancer.

“Patients with Medicare Part D have dozens of different drug plans available to choose from, but most patients unfortunately are not aware of this. If they compare estimated costs, they could save thousands of dollars each year in drug costs. This could make a huge impact for patients with limited resources,” said lead study author Benjamin Pockros, M.D., M.B.A., a urology resident at Michigan Medicine.

The researchers looked at out-of-pocket costs for abiraterone and enzalutamide, using the Medicare Part D Plan Finder to compare within 12 different regions across the country that have prominent prostate cancer programs.

Out-of-pocket costs for abiraterone prescriptions ranged from $1,379 to $13,274 among all Part D plans.

The median potential cost savings among all 12 cities was $9,321. For enzalutamide, out-of-pocket cost ranged from $9,854 to $13,061.

The median potential cost savings among all 12 cities was $1,839. The study is published in Urology Practice.

“We know cancer can take a devastating physical, emotional and financial toll on patients. For those enrolled in Medicare Part D, this plan finder is free and easy to use, and hopefully one small step in improving cancer care in our country,” Pockros said.

The plan finder is available online at medicare.gov/plan-compare.

Patients enter their zip code and prescription drugs; the finder displays estimated annual out-of-pocket costs for local retail and mail order pharmacies.

Medicare offers an annual open enrollment period from Oct. 15-Dec. 7, during which people can switch plans.

More than 49 million Americans are enrolled in Medicare Part D, and some patients have up to 50 different plans to choose from. Despite significant cost differences, fewer than 30% of patients report comparing drug plan pricing.

The study authors urge providers to speak to patients about using the plan finder.

They are now leading a project funded by the Rogel Cancer Center and U-M Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation to help make cancer patients more aware of the Medicare Part D Plan Finder to help minimize out-of-pocket drug costs.

Additional authors: Christina Shabet; Kristian Stensland, M.D., M.P.H., M.S.; Lindsey Herrel, M.D., M.S.

Paper cited: “Out-of-Pocket Costs for Prostate Cancer Medications Substantially Vary by Part D Plan: An Online Tool Presents an Opportunity to Mitigate Financial Toxicity,” Urology Practice. DOI: 10.1097/UPJ.0000000000000421


More Articles About: Cancer (Oncology) Prostate Cancer Prostate Conditions Cancer Treatment Hormonal Therapy for Cancer Health Care Delivery, Policy and Economics Hospitals & Centers Community Health
Health Lab word mark overlaying blue cells
Health Lab

Explore a variety of healthcare news & stories by visiting the Health Lab home page for more articles.

Media Contact Public Relations

Department of Communication at Michigan Medicine

[email protected]

734-764-2220

Stay Informed

Want top health & research news weekly? Sign up for Health Lab’s newsletters today!

Subscribe
Featured News & Stories sketched out bacteria in a dish yellow and blue colors of U-M
Health Lab
This gross mixture has big benefits for the study of bacteria
Michigan Medicine researchers have found that growing bacteria on agar mixed with organs is an efficient and effective way to study infectious pathogens.
patient giving paperwork and person saying no with hand graphic moving teal white grey navy orange
Health Lab
Why new patient paperwork isn’t just busy work
While it’s easy to overlook doctor's office questionnaires, that paperwork actually serves a vital role in better understanding how to treat you. Called patient reported outcomes, this information gives medical specialists insight into how treatments truly impact you as a patient.
three pharmacists smiling
Health Lab
An innovative pharmacy service for pain management
An innovative service at Michigan Medicine offers pain management support for patients and care teams
green blue map of michigan
Health Lab
How does exposure to ‘forever chemicals’ impact your cancer risk
Pearce, professor of epidemiology at the School of Public Health and co-lead of Rogel’s cancer control and population sciences program, reflects on the project and why bringing this study to Michigan is so critical.
older adults playing cards at table
Health Lab
8 ways older adults can reduce loneliness and social isolation
Two Michigan Medicine doctors share 8 ways older adults can combat loneliness and social isolation.
person holding walker with nurse next to them closer up on hands lower body
Health Lab
Long COVID happens in nursing homes, too
Post-acute sequelae of Sars-COV2 (PASC, long COVID) caused a decrease in independence and cognitive ability after coronavirus infection in nursing home residents