Promising Therapies, Prohibitive Costs: A Qualitative Assessment of the Effects of the Medicare Part D Doughnut Hole on Access to Costly Cancer Medications

Researchers interviewed oncology social workers and nurse practitioners in an effort to understand how the Medicare Part D doughnut hole affects beneficiaries’ financial access to oral anticancer targeted therapies. The findings highlight the financial obstacles associated with the Part D coverage gap, which may not be fully addressed by recently passed healthcare reform legislation.