Many Hispanics, Blacks Have Difficulty Paying for Prescription Drugs, AARP Report Finds
High prescription drug prices make it difficult for Hispanics and blacks to pay for the medications they need, putting their health at risk, according to an AARP report released on Thursday, United Press International reports (United Press International, 5/24).
For the report, AARP conducted a national telephone survey of 2,000 black and Hispanic adults. The survey examined respondents' experiences with purchasing prescription drugs and asked whether they supported legislation that would reduce drug prices and address other issues related to prescription drugs (AARP release, 5/24). The survey found that 40% of Hispanics and 38% of blacks reported having difficulty paying for medications in the last year. Sixty-one percent of Hispanics and 68% of blacks were concerned about their ability to pay for prescription drugs over the next two years (United Press International, 5/24).
Many blacks and Hispanics delay treatment or skip doses because of medication costs, according to the report (AARP release, 5/24). John Rother, AARP director of public policy, noted that nine out of 10 respondents said they support legislation that would reduce drug prices. "High drug prices mean more than stressing a family budget," he said, adding, "Too many people put their health and the health of their families at risk when they cannot afford drugs" (United Press International, 5/24).
The report is available online. Note: You must have Adobe Acrobat to view the report.