The “Baby Boom Generation” is now entering their golden years and this generation is going to contribute to the overall statistic of those who are in the “Old-old”, ages 75-84, and the “Oldest-old”, ages 85 and older, population. The elderly population does not want to seem weak; many are still capable of contributing to society. Even in their “golden years” the elderly still wishes to maintain their level of independence. Being independent means a sense of pride and still being able to contribute to society. In addition, many elders feel their ability to remain in their own home is important to them. Many elderly Americans’ see their independence preference as a way of avoiding being a burden to their family. Prescription drugs for the
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The elderly population is also the greatest consumers of drugs in the US due to chronic conditions, (n.d., Social Security). In 2013 the average Social Security benefit represents about 38 percent of elderly income. The average income of these beneficiaries is about $1,250 a month. On average the elderly spends an average of $100 to $400 a month on prescription medication, (n.d., Social Security). This is one third of their income that is going to prescription drugs and takes away from other essential needs and wants. There has to be a better way of providing our elderly with their prescription medication cost and still help them maintain an independent and quality life. Current policies address these issues, but current policies fall short in helping the elderly population with prescription …show more content…
According to the Commonwealth Fund Organization, “Faster uptake of new and more expensive prescription drugs in the United States, relative to the other OECD nations, contributes to higher per capita drug spending”, (2013, Kanavos, Ferrario, Vandoros, and Anderson, p.753). For example, people in Canada who receive assistance, receive coverage free coverage or pay a minimal co-payment, and in the United Kingdom all citizens have their prescriptions paid by the government after a one-time fee. These are just a few countries, who offer coverage to their elderly citizens at a far lower rate than the United States, the policy currently in place falls short of the mark and the policy we propose hopes to alleviate the
The elderly population is also the greatest consumers of drugs in the US due to chronic conditions, (n.d., Social Security). In 2013 the average Social Security benefit represents about 38 percent of elderly income. The average income of these beneficiaries is about $1,250 a month. On average the elderly spends an average of $100 to $400 a month on prescription medication, (n.d., Social Security). This is one third of their income that is going to prescription drugs and takes away from other essential needs and wants. There has to be a better way of providing our elderly with their prescription medication cost and still help them maintain an independent and quality life. Current policies address these issues, but current policies fall short in helping the elderly population with prescription …show more content…
According to the Commonwealth Fund Organization, “Faster uptake of new and more expensive prescription drugs in the United States, relative to the other OECD nations, contributes to higher per capita drug spending”, (2013, Kanavos, Ferrario, Vandoros, and Anderson, p.753). For example, people in Canada who receive assistance, receive coverage free coverage or pay a minimal co-payment, and in the United Kingdom all citizens have their prescriptions paid by the government after a one-time fee. These are just a few countries, who offer coverage to their elderly citizens at a far lower rate than the United States, the policy currently in place falls short of the mark and the policy we propose hopes to alleviate the