Map Details – High Blood Pressure (HBP) Medication Adherence Rates and Michigan Pharmacists Association (MPA) Members Trained in Medication Therapy Management (MTM)

Impact Statement

This map highlights the existence of major geographic disparities in blood pressure medication adherence, even within the Medicaid population. Medication therapy management is an evidence-based intervention for identifying and overcoming barriers to adherence, and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services will work with the Michigan Pharmacists Association to spread the practice throughout the state.

This map shows results of statistical significance testing of differences between county-level medication adherence rates for the combined 2015–2016 Michigan Medicaid population 18–64 years old. Berrien, Kalamazoo, Kent, Ingham, Wayne, Bay, Tuscola, Genesee, Saginaw, Shiawassee, and Ogemaw counties had statistically lower rates of medication adherence in comparison to all other counties. Washtenaw and Jackson counties and counties in the Traverse City area and the eastern Upper Peninsula had adherence rates comparable to all other counties. The map also shows the locations of Michigan Pharmacists Association (MPA) members trained in medication therapy management (MTM). Most pharmacists trained in MTM through MPA are located around population centers and match statistically lower counties relatively well. However, the overall number of pharmacists trained in MTM through MPA is fairly low due to administrative barriers and the newness of the training.
Key Points

Major Findings

This map identifies counties that have statistically lower adherence to blood pressure medications in the Medicaid population, and where pharmacists trained in medication therapy management are located. The map assesses how current program availability matches counties with low adherence rates.

How the map will be used, or has been used

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is working with the Michigan Pharmacists Association to promote medication therapy management and reduce administrative barriers to billing. Efforts will prioritize counties with the lowest adherence rates.