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Due to Economic Conditions, U.S. Patients are filling fewer Prescriptions

According to The Wall Street Journal, 6.8% of brand-name prescriptions were left unfilled in the fourth quarter of 2008, an increase of 22% from the first quarter of 2007. 

Generic drug prescriptions were also filled at a lower rate, with 4.1% abandoned in the fourth quarter of 2008. 

Higher insurance co-pays and individual financial instability are blamed for the decrease in prescriptions.  Compounding the problem, health insurers are rejecting coverage for more prescriptions. 

In the fourth quarter of 2008, 10.8% of brand-name prescriptions were denied, an increase of 21% from the first quarter of 2007. 

"It is unacceptable that the economy is putting people's health at risk," said Alliance President Barbara Easterling.  "It is also yet another sign that our health care system needs to be overhauled immediately."