Heart failure (HF) is a major cost and utilization contributor to Medicare. Unexplained regional variation in utilization and costs of Medicare HF patients suggests significant opportunity to better manage utilization and costs of the HF population. Large differences in utilization and cost persist even after adjusting for risk and regional price differences. The high prevalence, cost, and mortality of the HF population highlights the need for increased focus on HF.

This report was commissioned by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation.