The high cost of prescription drugs is a very real problem in the United States. The average American spends approximately $1,300 per year on prescription drugs, more than residents of any other country in the world. And for some new medications, it seems the sky’s the limit when it comes to cost.
For people in marginalized and traditionally underserved communities, in which chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and respiratory diseases are more widespread, the problem can be the difference between life and death.
When access to affordable medications is limited by finances, people fail to stay on their medications, often resulting in sickness and worsening of health conditions that only further drain finances and create tremendous stress for families and caregivers.
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