The growing number of states that have legalized medical marijuana is favorably affecting the bottom line of Medicare Part D, especially for treating pain.
A study published in Health Affairs (2016;35:1230-1236) examined data for all prescriptions filled by Medicare Part D enrollees between 2010 and 2013. By the end of that time period, 17 states and Washington, D.C. allowed legal use of medical marijuana. The study found that prescription drug use fell in those states by an amount that