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Prescription Affordability Crisis Grips the US, While UK Access Concerns Persist
A stark reality is emerging in the United States, where one in three Americans are unable to afford the medication they need, creating a significant barrier to effective disease management and contributing to worsening health outcomes. This crisis is compounded by rising drug costs, with 2018 seeing US335 billion spent on prescription drugs, and out-of-pocket costs reaching US46.9 billion. Projections suggest these costs will increase by nearly 200% by 2026, Daily Dazzling Dawn understand.
For senior citizens in the US, the situation is even more dire, with approximately 85% of adults aged 60 or older taking at least one prescription medication daily. A Penn State University study highlights the prominent role of medication in American lives, noting that US-born men will spend nearly half their lives on prescription medication, and US-born women will spend 60%. This disparity is attributed to factors like hormonal contraceptives and differences in medication use for conditions such as pain, mental health, and cardiovascular disease.
While increased prescription drug use has occurred, its impact on overall American health remains unclear, partly due to the relatively recent introduction of many medications. Although there's a decrease in premature deaths from chronic diseases through treatment, a 2022 report indicates a rise in drug overdoses, COVID-related complications, injuries, and heart and liver diseases, contributing to a decline in US life expectancy. US life expectancy dropped from a high of 79 years in 2019 to 76 years in 2021, with socio-economic disparities and lack of health insurance access playing a significant role.
The US has the highest per capita prescription medication spending globally, reaching US$1,432 per American in 2021. The inability to afford these medications forces many to choose between healthcare and other necessities, a problem exacerbated by rising poverty and the high cost of newer drugs for chronic conditions.
Pharmaceutical companies justify high prices with research and development costs, but concerns remain about the drug supply chain, particularly the concentration of raw material sourcing and the limited number of wholesalers. The US also faces challenges due to historical limitations on government negotiation of drug prices, though recent measures like the Inflation Reduction Act aim to address this for Medicare. However, this is only a partial solution, as it doesn't cover those with private insurance or the uninsured.
UK Context: Balancing Access and Cost
While the UK's National Health Service (NHS) provides universal healthcare, ensuring access to affordable medication is also an ongoing concern. The NHS negotiates drug prices, which helps to keep costs lower compared to the US. However, challenges remain:
NHS Budget Pressures: The NHS faces budgetary constraints, which can lead to restrictions on the availability of certain newer or expensive drugs. This can result in patients experiencing delays in accessing the most innovative treatments.
Prescription Charges: In England, there is a standard prescription charge per item, although many groups are exempt (e.g., children, the elderly, those on certain benefits). These charges, while relatively small, can be a burden for individuals with multiple long-term conditions requiring several medications.
Medicine Shortages: Like the US, the UK also experiences medicine shortages, which can disrupt patient care and cause anxiety. These shortages can be due to manufacturing issues, supply chain problems, or increased demand.
Cost-Effectiveness Assessments: The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) assesses the cost-effectiveness of new drugs before they are made available on the NHS. While this aims to ensure value for money, it can also mean that some treatments are not funded if they are deemed too expensive relative to their benefit.
Both the US and the UK face challenges in ensuring equitable access to affordable medications, though the systems and specific problems differ. In the US, the high cost of drugs is a primary barrier, while in the UK, NHS funding pressures and cost-effectiveness considerations can limit access to certain treatments. Addressing these challenges is crucial for improving health outcomes and ensuring that patients in both countries can receive the care they need.
