Dr. Dan Hartung – Featured Publication

Dr. Dan Hartung – Featured Publication

Dr. Dan Hartung, PharmD, MPH, was recently featured in JAMA for his study on buprenorphine coverage in Medicare Part D plans. Dr. Hartung explored the lacking use of buprenorphine and its possible linkage to insurance company cost-control measures such as step therapy or prior authorization. He analyzed the trends of the formulary plans from January of 2007, 2012, and 2018 to define the changes in coverage of buprenorphine for opioid use disorder. The trends show that coverage throughout the study period was high, however prior authorizations increased from 2007 to 2018. Dr. Hartung suggests in his article that these cost-controlling measures may disrupt or delay treatment, making OUD patients vulnerable to relapse.

Congratulations to Dr. Hartung on your publication!