This quasi-experimental claims analysis quantifies how a pharmacogenomic-enriched, pharmacist-led medication therapy optimization program reduces total medical cost and acute care utilization in high-polypharmacy Medicare beneficiaries, with savings that deepen over months of exposure.
📅 Journal publication: Sep 2026(online Aug 26, 2026)·Last updated: Oct 7, 2026
Pharmacist-led optimization slashes Medicare costs and hospital visits.
Medication-related problems in seniors can be costly and detrimental, presenting opportunities for intervention and cost reduction. The program led to a 19.4% overall reduction in medical costs, with inpatient admissions decreasing by 43.1% and emergency visits by 41.3%. Participation in pharmacist-led programs results in significant cost savings for Medicare. Robust evidence supports long-term economic benefits, emphasizing its potential value. Pharmacist-led medication optimization improves outcomes and reduces costs in Medicare populations.
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Authors:Elewa HF, Levy JF, Pandya C, Goldberg SE, Morgan TA
Citation:Elewa HF, Levy JF, Pandya C, et al. Cost and utilization outcomes of pharmacist-led medication therapy optimization in a Medicare ACO population. Health affairs scholar. 2026;4(9):qxag223. doi:10.1093/haschl/qxag223
Subscribers receive access to a complete clinical analysis, available online and as a downloadable PDF.
Executive Summary
Study Design
Patient Population
Primary Outcomes
Secondary Outcomes & Safety Profile
Pharmacist Implications
Clinical Pearls
Limitations
Controversies & Evidence Gaps
Cost & Logistics
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