CT among ten highest states in Medicare drug spending

A new analysis by C-HIT finds that CT seniors on Medicare are spending more than consumers in most other states on prescriptions. CT elderly Medicare beneficiaries are more likely to use brand name drugs than generics, especially in high income towns in Fairfield county. Within the state, Meriden has the highest per beneficiary prescription spending and Winsted the lowest. In good news, more than 81% of CT seniors are still taking recommended beta-blockers seven to ten months after a heart attack, compared to only 78.5% of all Americans. The study found wide variation in per capita drug spending but no evidence that higher spending was associated with better care.