Axios: Higher US drug prices don’t translate to better health

Amy Baxter | | Health Exec | Policy & Regulations
Researchers found millions of heart failure patients who qualify for standard, guideline directed medical therapies, but did not receive it due to poor health literacy, limited access to care and medication costs.

The United States pays far more for prescription drugs than other countries, but health outcomes aren’t much better––and sometimes, they’re worse––according to Axios.

The pharmaceutical industry frequently justifies its higher prices by arguing it provides resources for research and development. However, being unable to pay for these drugs could void that argument or at least bring up questions about why consumers have to pay so much.

At the same time, the prices do not reflect quality, or better care. The United States was ranked last in healthcare outcomes in a 2017 Commonwealth Fund report that weighted 10 other wealthy countries.

While health outcomes have yet to improve, the Trump administration continues to propose new initiatives to lower prescription drug prices in Medicare.

See the full story below:

U.S. drug prices don't translate to better health

Amy Baxter
Amy Baxter

Amy joined TriMed Media as a Senior Writer for HealthExec after covering home care for three years. When not writing about all things healthcare, she fulfills her lifelong dream of becoming a pirate by sailing in regattas and enjoying rum. Fun fact: she sailed 333 miles across Lake Michigan in the Chicago Yacht Club "Race to Mackinac."

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