Elders' Behaviors and Attitudes Regarding the Cost of Prescription Medications

Abstract

The past six years have dramatically reshaped the landscape for elders in the United States regarding health care, particularly changes in medication reimbursement. Between Medicare Part D, Medicare supplemental insurance, managed care panels and formularies and the most recent Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, elders have had to understand and participate in new plans and policies that continue to change and evolve each year. The impact of all these changes on low-income, moderate-income, and upper-income elders, differ. Few studies exist that examine the behaviors of elders, their beliefs regarding prescription affordability, and the role of the physician in understanding and discussing the cost of prescriptions among older adults. This study examined the behaviors and attitudes regarding the cost of prescription medications of 112 independent elders participating in three different senior centers in southern Michigan. Results were compared with the limited studies of similar populations over the past ten years. Discussion and recommendations focus on improving communication between elders and physicians and strategies to consider regarding prescribing by providers to address some of these concerns.