INSIGHTS AND PERSPECTIVES

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT'S IMPORTANT — The study's findings that the Part D coverage gap — or “doughnut hole” — led to a significant gap in the adherence of cardiovascular medications may not come as a complete surprise; however, it undoubtedly underscores the important role that pharmacy can play in helping patients navigate plan strategies that promote the use of lower-cost medications.

AUSTIN — While 46% of consumers are more inclined to purchase a product if it is eco-friendly, nearly 60% are unwilling to pay more money for that eco-friendly product or service, according to new research.

ATLANTA — The Coca-Cola Retailing Research Council on Monday published the final installment of its five-part report on social media, which suggested that grocery marketers significantly can leverage any social media participation by simply responding to tweets on Twitter and exploring the potential of professional networking site LinkedIn, where activity has been supercharged by the recession.

NEW YORK — Social media open many new opportunities for healthcare organizations to engage consumers and are changing the nature of healthcare interaction, according to a new report by PwC's Health Research Institute.

NEW YORK — Hispanic consumers in the United States are considered a "fundamental component to future business success," according to a new Nielsen report.

In its new report, "The State of the Hispanic Consumer: The Hispanic Market Imperative," the research firm said the U.S. Hispanic population continues to grow, and as the demographic had a projected buying power of $1 trillion in 2010, it is expected to augment to $1.5 trillion in 2015, a 50% increase.

Additional findings in the report included:

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — Medicare Part D beneficiaries with cardiovascular conditions who had no financial assistance during the "doughnut hole" coverage gap were 57% more likely to discontinue their cardiovascular medications than those beneficiaries who had consistent drug coverage, according to a study conducted by researchers from Harvard University, Brigham and Women's Hospital and CVS Caremark.

DENVER, Colo. — Despite using shopping lists as a budget tool to eliminate unnecessary purchases, 9-out-of-10 shoppers still buy items not on their list, according to new research from the Integer Group and M/A/R/C Research.

ST. LOUIS — Workers' compensation pharmacy costs took on an extra $2.1 billion in 2011 due to unnecessary use of more expensive drugs, according to a new report by pharmacy benefit manager Express Scripts.