The Cost of Drugs to Combat Normal Aging Exceeds the Cost of Drugs for Chronic Illnesses
The research suggests that cost and utilization of medications to treat conditions considered a normal part of aging, including those related to hormone replacement therapy, sexual dysfunction and mental alertness, are becoming so popular that they now rank third for cost impact only behind diabetes and cholesterol among commercially insured patients.
Researchers at Express Scripts in St. Louis looked at trends in prescriptions filled for aging medications among those commercially insured and found that in 2011 alone, per member cost for aging medications ($73.30) was 16 percent greater than the amount spent on both high blood pressure and heart disease medications ($62.80). The cost for diabetes medications was $81.12 and high cholesterol medications was $78.38.
Source: Health, Medical and Science Updates.
On the bright side — maybe this means people are living longer and with fewer true complications?
It does raise issues, however, of what should be included in a comprehensive care package and what standard of living is necessary versus simply preferred.
“those commercially insured and found that in 2011 alone, per member cost for aging medications ($73.30) was 16 percent greater than the amount spent on both high blood pressure and heart disease medications ($62.80).”
– I think this shows where society places its values.
There are those who dislike “medical resources” going for things that are non-medical “normal” parts of aging rather than medical necessities. It a normal market, people decide what they are willing to pay for. If men are willing to spend $10 on a Viagra tablet, it’s not my place to tell them their $10 should go for actual medical care.
Perhaps this is an indicator that the demand for anti-aging drugs is higher than that of drugs to treat chronic illnesses…which consequently means that people are more worried/concerned about aging slower than they are about taking care of life-threatening conditions. As Jackson said, I think this shows what’s more important and valuable for our society.
@Jackson
I agree with you.
or perhaps it is because drugs for chronic diseases are becoming cheaper
I agree with Buster, but at what point do we draw the line on what individuals are themselves responsible for or insurance? I don’t think anyone minds people spending their own cash on this …
Well, having one’s teeth fall out, being unable to see, and being immobilized by failing joints is a normal part of aging, too.
I’m surprised they didn’t also look at expenditures for drugs related to dental treatment, eyeglasses and cataract removal, and joint replacement.
@Buster — Good point.
Right, free markets should decide the allocation of spending. But when government gets involved people feel like there should be a line.