Prescription Non-Adherence: A Growing Challenge in Affordable Healthcare Solutions
According to the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF), about 24% of Americans stated they or a family member has not filled a prescription in the past year because of the cost. Additionally, a KFF Health Tracking Poll from 2019 found that nearly 30% of respondents reported skipping doses, cutting pills in half, or not filling a prescription due to the cost.
How does this lead to higher overall costs for healthcare?
The phenomenon of people not filling prescriptions or skipping doses due to cost implications can have several implications that contribute to higher overall costs for healthcare:
1. Health Deterioration: When individuals do not take prescribed medications or skip doses, their health conditions may worsen or lead to complications. This can result in more frequent doctor visits, emergency room visits, hospitalizations, or the need for more intensive treatments, all of which increase healthcare costs.
2. Chronic Condition Management: For individuals with chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, or asthma, adherence to medication regimens is crucial for effective management. Failure to adhere to prescribed medications can lead to disease progression, exacerbation of symptoms, and the need for additional healthcare services, hence increasing costs.
3. Long-Term Costs: Skipping medications in the short term due to cost concerns can result in long-term implications. It may lead to more serious health conditions that require prolonged and expensive treatments, surgeries, or interventions, ultimately escalating healthcare costs.
4. Preventive Care: In some cases, prescription medications are essential for preventive care and managing risk factors for more severe health issues. Not filling prescriptions due to cost concerns can prevent individuals from receiving necessary preventive care, increasing the likelihood of developing costly health complications in the future.
5. Public Health Impact: Non-adherence to medications not only affects individual health but can also have broader implications for public health. For instance, individuals with infectious diseases who cannot afford their medications may continue to be contagious, leading to the spread of illnesses and the need for public health interventions that can strain healthcare resources and increase costs.
6. Economic Burden on the Healthcare System: Overall, when a significant portion of the population does not adhere to prescribed treatments due to cost-related reasons, it creates a burden on the healthcare system. This can lead to inefficient resource allocation, increased utilization of healthcare services, and ultimately higher costs for both individuals and the healthcare system as a whole.
In summary, the inability to afford medications and subsequent non-adherence to prescriptions can have cascading effects on individual health outcomes, healthcare utilization, and overall healthcare costs, highlighting the importance of addressing affordability issues to improve health outcomes and reduce healthcare spending.
?What are sources like TotalRx.net doing to address this issue?
TotalRx.net , as an online pharmacy or medication provider, can play a significant role in addressing the issue of medication affordability and access. Here are some ways sources like TotalRx.net can contribute to addressing this issue:
1. Competitive Drug Pricing: Online pharmacies like TotalRx.net can often offer competitive prices for prescription medications compared to traditional brick-and-mortar pharmacies. By providing cost-effective options, they can help individuals afford their medications and reduce the likelihood of non-adherence due to cost constraints. Saving up to 70% on high-cost medications, including Xarelto, Bystolic, Biktarvy, Farxiga, Restasis, Premarin, Spiriva, Truvada, Janumet XR, Dexilant, Trelegy, Trintellix, Eliquis, Jardiance, Stelara, Tradjenta, Ozempic, Myrbetriq, Dupixent, Otezla and Synthroid, provides relief.
2. Savings Programs and Coupons: TotalRx.net can partner with drug manufacturers, pharmacy benefit managers, or other organizations to offer savings programs, coupons, or patient assistance programs. These initiatives can help lower the out-of-pocket costs for individuals, making medications more affordable and encouraging adherence to prescribed treatments.
3. Generic Medications: Online pharmacies can promote the use of generic medications as a more affordable alternative to brand-name drugs. By offering a wide range of generic options, TotalRx.net can help individuals access cost-effective medications without compromising quality or efficacy.
4. Medication Adherence Programs: TotalRx.net can implement medication adherence programs or services to support individuals in sticking to their prescribed treatment regimens. This may include refill reminders, counseling services, educational materials, and personalized support to encourage compliance and reduce the risk of non-adherence due to cost concerns.
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5. Telemedicine Services: Online pharmacies like TotalRx.net can integrate telemedicine services or virtual consultations with healthcare providers. This can help individuals receive timely medical advice, prescription refills, or alternative treatment options, potentially addressing cost-related issues and improving medication adherence.
6. Patient Education: TotalRx.net can provide educational resources, information, and guidance to help individuals understand the importance of medication adherence, potential cost-saving strategies, and available resources for financial assistance. Empowering patients with knowledge can promote informed decision-making and proactive management of their healthcare needs.
By implementing these strategies and initiatives, online pharmacies like TotalRx.net can contribute to enhancing medication affordability, promoting medication adherence, and ultimately addressing the issue of individuals not filling prescriptions or skipping doses due to cost concerns. These efforts can help improve health outcomes, reduce healthcare costs, and facilitate better access to essential medications for individuals in need.
Members of the TotalRx.net team have received the following recognition:
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Sources:
Kaiser Family Foundation: Prescription Drug Costs 2021, Health Tracking Poll 2019 https://www.kff.org
Davis, K., Stremikis, K., Squires, D., & Schoen, C. 2019, Mirror, Mirror 2019: International Comparison Reflects Flaws and Opportunities for Better U.S. Health Care. The Commonwealth Fund. Retrieved from https://www.commonwealthfund.org
ClearScript: https://www.clearscript.org
Fairview Health Services: https://www.fairview.org
PRAM: https://www.pram.com ??
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