Prescription drug costs continue to rise

AARP state offices across the United States are fighting back with renewed efforts to bring down costs for all health care consumers.

The drug price study, conducted by AARP’s Public Policy Institute in conjunction with the Prime Institute at the University of Minnesota, found prices for nearly 200 of the most commonly used brand name medications rose 6.1 percent during the 12-month period from July 2004 to June 2005. At the same time, the rate of general inflation was 3 percent.

One silver lining for consumers is that manufacturers of 75 widely used generic drugs continue to hold the line. Manufacturer prices for all of these products were unchanged during the second quarter of 2005.

Price jumps

The sharpest price increases were for the drug Atrovent 18 mg/act, which rose at 18.6 percent. Atrovent is used in inhalers to treat lung diseases such as emphysema. Sleep medication Ambien 5 mg, climbed 14.4 percent for the first six months of 2005. Among the best sellers, Proctor and Gamble’s osteoporosis-treating Actonel 35 mg, rose 7.5 percent, and Lilly’s Evista 60 mg, also used for osteoporosis, jumped 6.2 percent. AstraZeneca’ s Toprol XL 50 mg, used to treat hypertension, angina and heart failure, increased 6 percent.

“State, federal and family health care budgets are being stretched to the max, and sadly sometimes beyond,” said AARP CEO Bill Novelli, in a news release. “It is simply unsustainable for American consumers to continue footing the bill for endless increases in drug prices.

“Consumers will be facing higher gas and energy costs this winter. With less disposable income, drug price increases will certainly have a chilling effect on the health and well being of millions struggling to afford the drug treatments they need,” he added.

AARP state offices are coordinating efforts to bring down the high cost of prescription drugs through ballot initiatives, new legislation, consumer education, advertising, litigation and other efforts.

AARP drug price-busting efforts center include but are not limited to:

• Promotion of evidence-based research, the use of generics when appropriate and the wise use of medications;

• Market fairness including the public posting of drug prices, stricter regulation of direct-to-consumer advertising and physician detailing, and greater transparency of pharmacy benefits managers;

• Bulk purchasing;

• Preferred drug lists and prior authorization for state drug purchasing programs;

• Authority for Medicare to negotiate lower drug prices;

• Safe and legal importation of drugs from Canada and other nations.

Many states already have programs in place that help those in need; AARP is urging state lawmakers to use the money they will save with the new Medicare drug program to expand and preserve state prescription drug assistance.

In every state, AARP has been helping to provide information to its members about the new drug coverage in Medicare.

“Regardless of where you live, or what medications you take, there are Medicare plan offerings that can significantly lower the cost of drugs for those in the program,” Novelli added. “We are encouraging our members to learn more about the Medicare drug plans and find out which one may be right for you.”