Technical Report

Evaluation of Progesterone Utilization and Birth Outcomes in a State Medicaid Plan

Researchers found that members of the Massachusetts Medicaid program, MassHealth, had low levels of medication adherence when prescribed progesterone to prevent pre-term birth. This finding is in line with previous studies that revealed progesterone adherence rates are typically low. The study suggests there may be barriers to adherence for pregnant women who are prescribed progesterone, and  concludes that support may increase adherence rates.

This study tracked the effects of progesterone in reducing premature births, reported birth outcomes, and Medicaid adherence among MassHealth members receiving progesterone. It references data from between 2011-2015 in the form of medical and pharmacy claims, and prior authorization (PA) request data for MassHealth members that used progesterone. This study was presented at the American Drug Utilization Review Society Conference in Scottsdale, Arizona, Feb. 24, 2017. 

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/phar.2020/full