Full Coverage for Preventive Medications After Myocardial Infarction

In the MI FREEE trial, post-MI patients randomized to full prescription drug coverage (no copayments) for statins, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, or ARBs had 4-6% higher adherence rates, significantly fewer total major vascular events, and reduced patient spending without increasing overall health costs compared to usual coverage, though the primary composite outcome did not reach significanc. These findings demonstrate that eliminating copayments for evidence-based post-MI medications can improve adherence and clinical outcomes while maintaining cost neutrality for the health care system.