Table of Contents

I. Prescription costs for the elderly

II. Unaffordable prescription costs 

III. What can be done to help with prescription costs?

Why Do the Elderly Pay so Much for Prescriptions?

It's not just your imagination: Prescription drug costs are rising. Many Americans who currently take prescription medicine reported that their out-of-pocket cost for a drug they regularly take has increased over a year’s time.

Medicare is the U.S. federal government health insurance program that covers people over the age of 65 (and other eligible recipients) for health care services. Data from 2016 show that nearly 9.2 million Medicare beneficiaries were between the ages of 65 and 67, and over one-third were 75 and older. [1] 

Add to that the fact that more than half of seniors take four or more prescription drugs, and it can be difficult to afford all of these medications. Additionally, Social Security benefits are typically not enough to cover monthly living expenses. 

What's more, the Social Security Administration estimates that 21 percent of married couples and 45 percent of single people rely on Social Security payments for 90 percent or more of their income. [2] Read on to learn how a Canadian online pharmacy like MyDrugCenter can help cut costs and make prescription medications more affordable.

What Is Happening as a Result of Unaffordable Prescription Drugs?

As mentioned earlier, a significant number of elderly patients said they don't always comply with their doctor's instructions for taking medications due to the cost.

This includes skipping medications, taking over-the-counter meds instead or cutting pills in half (which some experts say can be a viable option if one purchases the high-dose versions of the medication). Unfortunately, elderly people who skip medications can face serious health consequences.

For instance, those who take medications for "invisible" conditions such as high blood pressure may not immediately see any negative effects even as their blood pressure slowly rises. Studies show that stopping hypertension meds suddenly can lead to symptoms like palpitations, joint pain, and headaches. [3]

What Can Be Done to Help the U.S. Elderly Pay for Medication?

We can hope that patients' out-of-pocket costs will decrease in the coming years. In the meantime, the elderly and their caretakers can actively save money by learning how elderly people can cut medication costs safely.

When shopping around at various pharmacies, many are turning to online pharmacies as a viable option. With a reliable online pharmacy, people can access safe, effective prescription medications shipped straight to their door.

These online pharmacies help patients save money by connecting them with licensed pharmacies in Canada, for example, and abroad. Through those pharmacies, customers can purchase brand-name or generic drugs that cost significantly less than if they were purchased in the U.S. You can read more Canadian pharmacy articles at MyDrugCenter.  

The way it works is that countries like Canada have healthcare systems and comprehensive price control systems that drive down the cost of drugs sold within borders. So, when it comes to cheap medication for the elderly, online pharmacies can be valuable tools.

Although the American elderly population's struggle to pay for medication is alarming, it's not without hope. With changing Medicare laws and savvy prescription drug shopping, seniors can start saving on their medications in both the short and long term. Visit MyDrugCenter to start saving today. 

DISCLAIMER: The information in the article is not meant to be used for treatment or diagnosis. It is designed for general awareness and for information purposes only. Always consult a medical professional for your specific healthcare needs.