Which patients are typically enrolled in Medicare medication therapy management (MTM)?

The correct answer is that patients enrolled in Medicare medication therapy management (MTM) programs are those with multiple chronic disease states and predicted high annual drug costs. This focus is due to the intent of MTM programs to optimize therapeutic outcomes for patients who are likely to have complex medication regimens, which can arise from the management of multiple health conditions.

MTM is designed to address medication use in patients who may be at higher risk for medication-related problems due to the complexity of their treatment plans. By targeting individuals with multiple chronic conditions, the program aims to provide tailored support to enhance medication adherence, improve health outcomes, and minimize adverse effects. This approach is essential in managing the care of patients who may require additional guidance in navigating their medications.

In contrast, enrolling only those with a single chronic condition limits the reach and effectiveness of MTM, as it would exclude patients who may also benefit from these services but have more than one health issue. Including patients under 65 years old does not align with Medicare's primary demographic, which typically includes older individuals. Lastly, MTM is not provided to all patients irrespective of their conditions; rather, it is specifically targeted to those likely to face the greatest challenges with their medication management due to their health status and forecasted