Medication Therapy Management Program: Am I Eligible?

The wide variety of medications available for ongoing medical care is a wonderful thing, particularly when you think of how many of these drugs are available through Medicare Part D. 

However, the sheer range of drug treatment options comes with one significant downside. It’s now easier than ever to lose track of your treatment regimen or to find yourself taking medications you no longer need. Studies on medication adherence have found that as much as 30 percent of prescriptions, Medicare Part D and otherwise, are never filled in the US. Moreover, almost half of the medications prescribed for chronic diseases are not taken correctly by patients. It’s a severe problem. 

Medicare’s Medication Therapy Management (MTM) program is a free service that can help you review your current medications. The program can help you build a medication action plan, and ensure your Medicare Part D medications are working to improve your health.

What the Program Can Do for You

The program helps people who struggle to know what medications to take, how often, and in what dosage. In thinking about whether the program might help you, it pays to reflect a little on your current medications, asking yourself a few questions:

• Are you taking some medications without knowing why?
• Are you unsure of the correct dosage to use on one or more of your medications?
• Do you experience unpleasant side-effects from your medication?
• Have you received contradictory advice about what medicines you should take?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions, the MTM program might help you gain better clarity about the drugs you’re taking. 

Am I Eligible?

This program was designed for you if you meet the following requirements:

• You have two or more “core” chronic health conditions – These include Alzheimer’s disease, bone disease arthritis, chronic heart failure, diabetes, dyslipidemia, end-stage renal disease, hypertension, mental health disorders (including depression and bipolar disorder), and respiratory disease (such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). 
• You’re taking two to eight Part D drugs – To be eligible for MTM, you also need to take two to eight Medicare Part D drugs. You can learn more about what Medicare Part D medicines different plans cover on Medicare.gov. You can also use this Part D Drug Plan guide to shop for prescription drug plans. 

Getting the Most Out of MTM

To get the most out of the MTM program, be sure to schedule it before your next yearly wellness visit with your primary care doctor. This way, you and your doctor will have an accurate snapshot of your current medication needs, and this will form a strong foundation for a broader conversation about good preventative care. 

Also, be sure to take your Medicare Part D medication list and action plan to future health consultations, not just your primary physician, but anyone from whom you seek medical care. Doing so will make sure you have access to reliable, well-informed medical advice from each of your care providers. 

Take Control of Your Medications

If you are taking drugs to treat two or more chronic health conditions, the last thing you need is to feel a lack of clarity about your medications and why you’re taking them. If you think you need help, Medicare’s Medical Therapy Management Program is an excellent first step to regaining control of your medications.