High Prescription Drug Costs Lead Older Patients to Ration Medication

While not a new concept, drug rationing across the United States has become an increasingly critical issue. In another tale about the dangers of high prescription drug costs, researchers published an article in JAMA Network Open explaining how drug prices impact medication adherence, leading patients older than 65 to ration medications.

The study analyzed online or telephone survey data from adults over 65 between June 2022 and September 2022. The researchers collected data from 2005 survey respondents, noting that roughly 40% were over 75%.

A statistical analysis of the responses noted that approximately 20.2% of adults over 65 had trouble with medication adherence due to costs. A smaller, but still statistically significant, subset of the population, 8.5%, reported forgoing basic needs to afford their medication. Additionally, 4.8% of respondents reported going into debt to afford prescription drugs.

The investigators also assessed how clinicians could assist patients in medication adherence and cost discussions. Almost 90% of patients were willing to participate in pre-visit assessments for medication cost conversations.

Similarly, roughly 90% reported wanting their clinician to review costs using a real-time assessment tool. However, it is critical that these tools are accurate, as a significant portion of patients noted that they would be unhappy if asked to pay more than their estimate. Moreover, 80% of patients who did not adhere to their medication schedule due to cost would be deterred from starting or continuing medication if the medication cost more than the estimate they received.

The researchers in the study concluded that, in 2022, “approximately 1 in 5 older adults reported cost-related nonadherence. Real-time benefit tools may support medication cost conversations and cost-conscious prescribing, and patients are enthusiastic about their use. However, if disclosed prices are inaccurate, there is potential for harm through loss of confidence in the physician and nonadherence to prescribed medications.”

This is not the first time drug prices have posed a significant threat to patients’ healthcare outcomes, and it is unlikely to be the last. With the highest prescription drug prices among developed nations, the US healthcare system disadvantages those unable to afford medications. While many patients may attain lower costs through insurers, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and pharmaceutical companies must address existing barriers and exorbitant prices.