http://goo.gl/hHMEAE
In the first known study to examine the prevalence and treatment of psoriasis in older Americans, experts from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania have found that black patients receiving Medicare are less likely to receive biologic therapies -medications derived from human or animal cells or tissues - for the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis than white patients. Additional results show that psoriasis patients who do not have low income subsidy (LIS) - additional coverage provided for prescription drugs, also known as Medicare Extra Help - as part of their Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D) plan are less likely to receive biologics than Medicare recipients with full low income subsidy benefit. The findings, presented in the December issue of the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, are the first to suggest the presence of economic and racial barriers that impact the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis