Dr Natalie Carvalho presents research at the University of Melbourne Health Economics Group Workshop

Dr Natalie Carvalho from the Health Economics Unit in the Centre of Health Policy reported on preliminary findings of an analysis of extending insurance on income-related inequalities in public drug expenditure using the Medicare Part D prescription drug program in the United States. Using relative and absolute measures of health inequality and conducting a difference-in-difference analysis, Dr Carvalho and co-authors found evidence of a reduction in pro-poor inequality in public drug expenditures following the implementation of Medicare Part D.