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Helping Americans Get The Truth About Prescription Drug Savings
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48 Million Americans Forgo Filling Prescription Medication in 2010 Due To Cost, According to New Commonwealth Fund Survey

A new report by the Commonwealth Fund, from their 2010 Biennial Health Insurance Survey, shows that 48 million Americans, ages 19-64, did not fill a prescription due to cost in 2010, up from 29 million in 2001 – a 66% increase. The study includes both insured and uninsured Americans but does not include children and seniors. The study indicates that the recession has greatly exacerbated the national crisis of prescription non-adherence (skipping medications), as nine out of 16 million Americans who have lost their job have also lost their health insurance.

It is difficult to estimate the sickness and even death that has resulted from so many millions of Americans not taking their prescribed medication due to cost. As evidenced by the new report, the situation is particularly dire for uninsured Americans with chronic medical conditions, as 27 million “skipped doses or did not fill a prescription for their condition because of the cost.” (more…)

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New Drug Savings Options Needed as 43,000 Illinois Residents Lose Benefits

An estimated 43,000 residents of Illinois will find it more difficult, if not impossible, to afford their prescription medication due to heavy budget cuts, according to the Chicago Tribune. Specifically, funding for the Illinois Cares Rx program, which  subsidizes the cost of medicine and payments associated with Medicare drug benefits, will be cut in half, from $107.4 million to $53.7 million. Illinois Cares Rx includes people with a Medicare drug plan and others who have no drug benefits at all.

With the cuts in place beginning September 1st, 2011, the Illinois Cares Rx program will only be available to those residents earning 200 percent or less of the federal poverty level – or $21,780 annually, down from a higher threshold of 240%, or $27,610. Even the 173,500 remaining in the program will “face higher co-payments for prescriptions — in some cases, double the amount they were previously paying.(more…)

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Spanish-Language Consumer Guide A Necessary Tool As Pew Report Reveals Hispanics Hit Hardest by Recession

A study released last week by the Pew Foundation finds that “from 2005 to 2009, inflation-adjusted median wealth fell by 66% among Hispanic households”. The study goes on to say, “The typical Hispanic household had $6,325 in wealth and the typical white household had $113,149.”

In light of this information, we’re certain that our Spanish version of How to Save Money on Prescription Medications, Safely – A Consumer Guide, or Guía al Consumidor, is needed now more than ever to ensure the U.S. Hispanic community’s access to safe and affordable medication. With health costs ever rising, safe saving strategies are a lifeline for many, especially those hit hardest by the current economy.

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