This week's first article was about Medicare Part D coverage and its influence on the acquisition of pharma product by the elderly. When the overhaul was made to Medicare and part d was created, policy makers suggested that there wouldn't be a big enough increase in elderly drug use to justify the spending. Regardless, the authors still noted a decrease in spending overall for prescriptions.

There is a moral conflict in may of the arguments that arise when economists/policy makers question the efficiency of spending in healthcare. I personally believe is the government's job, in this instance, to provide access to prescription medication. While adherence by the patient population may not increase much, that is separate from the same population not being able to have access to necessary care. I'm not sure how we can increase adherence. I've seen small non government programs where family members are incentivized to make sure their elders are following the prescribed regiment. Maybe that is an option that could still result in decreased spending but also a desirable level of

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