Evidence-Based Resource Summary

The Community Preventive Services Task Force recommends reducing patient out-of-pocket costs (ROPC) for medications to control high blood pressure and high cholesterol when combined with additional interventions aimed at improving patient-provider interaction and patient knowledge, such as team-based care with medication counseling, and patient education. ROPC involves the following program and policy changes that make cardiovascular disease preventive services more affordable: medications; behavioral counseling (e.g., nutrition counseling); and behavioral support (e.g., community-based weight management programs, gym membership). Costs for these services can be reduced by providing new or expanded treatment coverage and lowering or eliminating patient out-of-pocket expenses (e.g., copayments, coinsurances, deductibles).