Minimizing out-of-pocket prescription drug costs for Medicare beneficiaries: not just 'a drop in the bucket'.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the frequency of uptake and financial impact of four cost-minimization strategies used to assist Medicare beneficiaries in lowering their out-of-pocket (OOP) costs. DESIGN: Cost-savings analysis. SETTING: Twelve outreach events were conducted in six different cities throughout Northern and Central California during the 2013 Medicare open enrollment period. PARTICIPANTS: Noninstitutionalized Medicare beneficiaries from various socioeconomic backgrounds, including those receiving Medicaid. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Potential OOP cost savings for the upcoming year. RESULTS: In total, 621 beneficiaries were assisted. Part D plan optimization was performed for 535 beneficiaries; the findings indicated that 435 (81%) could save money (average: $1,334) by switching plans in the upcoming year. The results also demonstrated that 28 beneficiaries could save money (mean: $1,274) through a patient assistance program. In total, 16 beneficiaries had self-reported income and/or assets that were low enough to qualify for additional governmental assistance through the low-income subsidy. Finally, less costly therapeutic alternatives were identified for 7 beneficiaries and prescribers accepted recommendations for change in 6 (85%) such cases. In total, beneficiaries could realize more than $770,000 in potential OOP savings from the performed interventions. CONCLUSION: Targeted assistance to beneficiaries through a variety of cost-lowering strategies can help significantly reduce OOP costs and thus may also result in lower cost-related medication nonadherence and improved beneficiary outcomes.

MicroRNAs' Role in Diagnosis and Treatment of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage.

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is most commonly seen in patients over 55 years of age and often results in a loss of many productive years. SAH has a high mortality rate, and survivors often suffer from early and secondary brain injuries. Understanding the pathophysiology of the SAH is crucial in identifying potential therapeutic agents. One promising target for the diagnosis and prognosis of SAH is circulating microRNAs, which regulate gene expression and are involved in various physiological and pathological processes. In this review, we discuss the potential of microRNAs as a target for diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis in SAH.

Ovarian Cancer Metastasis to the Central Nervous System: A Literature Review.

Ovarian cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women in the United States. Metastasis to the central nervous system has become more frequent in the previous decades, however, treatment options remain limited. In this review, we discuss the pathophysiology of ovarian cancer and how metastasis to the central nervous system typically occurs. We then discuss cases of metastasis presented in the literature to evaluate current treatment regimens and protocols. Finally, we highlight emerging treatment options that are being utilized in clinics to provide personalized treatment therapy for a patient's unique diagnosis. This review aims to further the understanding of pathophysiology, stimulate further innovative treatments, and present accessible resources through tables and figures.