The problems of high prices of medication in the US

This research paper will explore the problems of high prices of medication in the United States. In particular, it will focus on the impact of these prices on patients and the possible solutions to this problem.

It is no secret that the cost of healthcare in the United States is significantly higher than in other developed countries. According to a recent study, the average cost of healthcare in the United States is about $9000 per person, which is more than twice as much as in Canada or any other Western country (The Economist, 2017). This high cost is partly due to the fact that medications in the US are also significantly more expensive than in other countries. For example, according to a report by The Commonwealth Fund, a typical American pays about three times more for Lipitor, a cholesterol-lowering drug, than a Canadian (The Commonwealth Fund, 2016).

The high cost of medications in the United States negatively impacts patients in several ways. First of all, it limits their access to essential drugs. According to a recent study, about one in five Americans does not take their medications as prescribed because they cannot afford them (Kaiser Family Foundation, 2017). This is particularly problematic for patients with chronic conditions such as diabetes or heart disease, who need to take their medication regularly in order to stay healthy.

Secondly, the high cost of drugs puts a financial burden on patients and their families. A recent survey found that about four in ten Americans have difficulty paying for their medications (Kaiser Family Foundation, 2017). This can lead to serious financial problems, such as debt or bankruptcy.

Finally, the high cost of drugs can also lead to poor health outcomes. When patients cannot afford their medications, they are more likely to experience adverse effects, such as hospitalization or even death (The Commonwealth Fund, 2016).

There are several possible solutions to the problem of high drug prices in the United States. One option is for the government to negotiate lower prices with pharmaceutical companies. Another possibility is for the government to provide subsidies or tax breaks to make medications more affordable for patients. Finally, some experts have suggested that the United States should adopt a system of price controls similar to those used in other countries (The Economist, 2017).

Whichever solution is ultimately adopted, it is clear that something needs to be done to address the problem of high drug prices in the United States. Patients should not have to choose between taking their medications and other essential expenses, such as food or rent. With the rising cost of healthcare, it is becoming increasingly difficult for Americans to afford the medications they need. Something needs to be done to make medications more affordable for patients and their families.