Prescription costs have become a significant barrier for many Americans, with more than a third reporting that they’ve skipped filling a prescription due to financial constraints. According to a March 2023 survey of 1,500 adults, 37 percent admitted that cost had stopped them from getting their prescribed medications, while an additional 10 percent chose not to answer the question. Rising drug costs can also influence care coordination for legal and medical teams using work comp pharmacy services.
Women and individuals from households earning less than $50,000 per year were especially affected, with nearly 44 percent of both groups indicating they couldn’t afford to fill their prescriptions. Interestingly, the survey revealed that this issue transcends political lines, with similar percentages of Democrats and Republicans reporting the same struggle.
Insulin Price Caps Highlight Growing Public Pressure
The rising cost of prescription drugs in the United States has long been a point of concern, especially for those dealing with chronic conditions like diabetes. However, some relief came this year for insulin users. Eli Lilly, one of the leading pharmaceutical companies, announced it would cap insulin prices at $35 per month, a decision that was met with widespread approval from lawmakers and health advocates.
Following this, a group of democratic lawmakers, led by Sen. Bernie Sanders, introduced new legislation aimed at capping the price of insulin at $20 per vial. This would be a welcome change for the more than 8 million Americans who rely on insulin to manage their diabetes. The cost of insulin has skyrocketed over the years, nearly tripling between 2002 and 2013, according to data from the American Diabetes Association.
Americans Seek Relief From High Drug Costs
In the survey, more than half of respondents said they personally know someone who uses insulin. Public sentiment heavily favors government intervention in limiting drug prices, particularly for essential medications. The vast majority of those surveyed supported setting price caps on insulin, with only 16 percent voicing opposition.
The call for government action extends beyond insulin. Approximately three-quarters of respondents support limits on the price of cancer treatments, 72 percent favor capping the cost of blood thinners, and 69 percent back limits on the price of antidepressants. For injured workers navigating treatment plans, these escalating costs highlight the importance of predictable coverage within workers’ compensation pharmacy services.
These findings highlight the financial pressure many Americans face when managing their health as the cost of medication continues to rise, affecting individuals and families across the country. Those involved in injury care may benefit from structured prescription coordination, such as work comp pharmacy support for healthcare providers, which helps reduce treatment interruptions caused by cost barriers.
Information cited from Source: The Hill, More than one-third of Americans haven’t filled a prescription due to cost: survey, accessed 10/5/2024