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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."
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