There are many factors partly responsible for patient non-adherence to their prescription drug therapy. A few of the big ones include rationing of both medication and money, lost medication, and just plain forgetfulness. In a recent study by Boehringer Ingelheim, medication non-adherence accounts for 125,000 deaths and more than $100 billion in additional healthcare spending annually. These are dangerous numbers, and ones that are 100% avoidable if you do your part!
The medications you are given each month can do wonders to your health, but only if you take them as directed. For many people, this is easier said than done. Each month millions of Americans make tough financial choices, many directly related to their health. A few all to familiar examples we see include Medicare Part-D patients falling into the doughnut hole or coverage gap, a lost medication by a patient who’s insurance won’t cover a missing supply leaving the individual to foot the bill, and a loss in income of a family who’s forced to make tough choices related to everyday needs. The major financial problems, however, usually arise a short period of time after the medications were not taken properly or at all and result in hospitalization. This is where the $100 billion in unneeded spending and 125,000 deaths annually come from, and can devastate families.
To combat this problem, we at Rx Savings Solutions recommend more cost effective solutions that don’t compromise health or safety from the start. When this is done, patients are happier, healthier, and not financially burdened. If you’d like more information on more cost effective choices, talk with your doctor about using the medication list on the Rx Savings Solutions website, or contact one of the Rx Savings Solutions professionals today!
