| By 2014, national health expenditures are expected to exceed ;This dissertation is comprised of three essays that examine the economics of prescription drugs. Specifically, the value of medication adherence is estimated in terms of its offsetting effects on the utilization and costs of other health services. The impact of adherence on worker absenteeism and short-term disability is also investigated. Finally, since patient cost-sharing is often cited as a key compliance barrier, the price elasticity of demand for prescription drugs is rigorously measured to gain insight into whether or not Value Based Insurance Design represents a cost-effective tool for improving medication adherence. |
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