Seniors and Prescription Drug Costs

The CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics reported in their 2021-2022 National Health Interview Survey that an estimated 89 percent of adults over 65 were taking prescription drugs to manage chronic conditions such as heart disease, arthritis, high blood pressure and diabetes. They also found some of those seniors were having a hard time paying for prescribed drugs.

The survey showed 4 percent of older adults who were prescribed medication did not take it due to cost; and the expense prevented another 3.4 percent of adults from taking their medications per doctors’ orders. More recently, a 2023 survey from the journal JAMA, reports 1 in 5 older adults were not taking prescribed medications due to cost. Also, a 2024 AARP survey found “nearly half of adults aged 50-plus have skipped filling their prescriptions — or know someone who has — due to cost.”

Many of those not taking their prescribed medications or taking less of the amount prescribed are dealing with several chronic conditions. Some report having no drug insurance coverage; and the problem is reflected in the fact that statistics show the majority of adults aged 50 and above are paying out of pocket for prescriptions drugs.

Thankfully over the last few years there have been a number of steps taken to at least make things easier for seniors on Medicare. Insulin copays were capped at $35 for a month’s supply; and many vaccines including shingles and RSV are free to Medicare enrollees. Starting this year, everyone with a Medicare prescription drug plan will have co-pays capped at $2,000 annually. Another plan called “Extra Help,” targeted toward low-income seniors, will expand eligibility requirements in an effort to help those seniors having trouble paying for necessary medications.

For outstanding assisted living in Houston, we encourage you to consider MorningStar at River Oaks. Our beautiful community is designed to meet residents’ every need. From healthy daily meals to wellness programs and activities, we have a whole range of services and amenities to ensure their comfort and wellbeing. Please contact us to inquire about availability, pricing or to set up a tour.

MorningStar has considered it a privilege and responsibility to “cast a new light” on senior living, inspired and empowered by our unique mission: to honor, to value, to invest. Our passionate commitment to serving seniors has proudly earned us a reputation for satisfaction that is second to none. Contact us for more information about the finest assisted living Houston has to offer.

Source: aarp.org/health/drugs-supplements/info-2024/more-older-adults-need-prescriptions.html

Comments

Balance Problems Are Common in Older Adults

The statistics of older adults taking a fall each year are alarming, and consequences can impact the person’s independence, or in the worst case, be deadly. Experts say as we age, our bodies may start to feel less stable due to things like a loss of muscle mass, lack of flexibility and slower reflexes. Poor balance and dizziness can also be a result of medical problems including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, poor vision, thyroid, nerves, or blood vessels as well as medications. Another culprit interfering with balance is inner ear problems. The labyrinth is a part of the inner ear that controls balance and when it becomes inflamed or infected, it can cause lots of problems including vertigo. The condition called Labyrinthitis generally is a result of other issues such as head injuries, viral or bacterial infections, and circulatory system conditions like strokes or low blood pressure. The National Institute on Aging says families and caregivers should be on the lookout for an older ...

Benefits for Assisted Living Available to Eligible Veterans or Surviving Spouse

Residents of the MorningStar Senior Living communities include veterans from all branches of the military and we are honored to serve them. As a MorningStar team member eloquently said, “Seniors speak powerfully to the fact that freedom comes at a cost. It requires that you choose to do the right thing which almost always includes sacrifice. Whether it’s time, money or comfort, those who came before us chose to sacrifice to build a better society.” When we meet a potential resident who is a veteran or a surviving spouse of a vet, and in need of assisted living ; we are pleased to direct them to a “Financial Concierge.” These financial services experts have the knowledge to ease and quicken the application process for “Aid & Attendance,” which is a benefit offered through the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. Aid & Attendance benefits are a tax-free pension paid directly to a qualified veteran or their spouse in the form of monthly payments, which is subject to change annuall...

MorningStar’s Luxury Senior Living in Houston

As senior living communities provide a range of benefits such as socialization, healthcare, amenities, and convenient services, it is no surprise it has become a popular lifestyle for many older adults. If your family has already started the search for senior living in Houston , you know there are many options. This may have left you wondering how to narrow down your search to find the optimal community for yourself or a loved one? Experts say the first thing to do is to find a home that provides the proper level of care. If you are a senior who needs help with the ADLs (activities of daily living), assisted living offers you the opportunity to maintain your sense of independence and get on with living your life to the fullest. In addition to 24/7 care managers, access to licensed nurses, and medication management, many assisted living communities offer services including meals, onsite amenities, scheduled transportation, housekeeping and more. They also often provide opportunitie...

MorningStar Independent Living Blog

Search This Blog