The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services released a look at health care spending in 2016. In that report, it’s said that spending on prescription medications would increase by more than 6 percent each year from 2016 to 2025.

In 2015 alone, the U.S. spent $325 on prescription medications. Some senior citizens have insurance coverage that pays a part of the cost of prescription medications. Not all do, however, and the cost can be crippling.

Seniors Do Skip Meds if the Cost is Too High

In 1995 and 1996, a team of doctors led the Survey of Asset and Health Dynamics Among the Oldest Old. They surveyed almost 5,000 men and women over the age of 70 to see if the cost of prescriptions led to seniors skipping necessary medications.

In the study, the doctors found that more than 6 percent of uninsured seniors over the age of 80 didn’t take medications if the cost was high. Almost 9 percent of uninsured seniors under the age of 80 were skipping medications. A low retirement income and monthly prescription costs over $100 are leading reasons seniors skipped taking medications.

For those who had insurance, more than 10 percent wouldn’t take necessary medications if yearly income was less than $10,000. Almost 5 percent wouldn’t take the medications if their co-pay was more than $100.

Does Your Mom Skip Medications?

If your mom skips medications because of the cost, you need to do something. Chronic conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes require medications to keep the disease from progressing.

Start by talking to the doctor. Doctors may be able to prescribe a generic medication that works the same but doesn’t cost as much. Doctors also have some free samples on hand for patients to use while they decide if a medication works effectively.

Check with the drug manufacturer. Some of the big pharmaceutical companies have coupons and special offers available that help seniors afford necessary medications. These offers can help lower costs.

Make Sure Your Mom Isn’t Taking Too High a Dosage

If your mom can be forgetful or has dementia, she may accidentally take a second dosage. She forgets she’s taken her medications already and takes them again. She’ll need refills faster and spend more.

Your mom may need help with medication reminders. Caregivers sent by an elder care agency can help with that. The caregivers come each day and make sure your mom takes medications at the right time. Medications can be locked away for the rest of the day to prevent mistakes.

Learn more about medication reminders and other elder care services. Call now.

Are you or a family member considering Home Care in Fair Oaks, CA? Talk to the friendly staff at Golden Years In-Home Senior Care.   Call Us Today 916-333-0383. We are here when you need us!

Sources:

Cms.gov
Brookings.edu
Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov