AARP: Drug Price Hikes Slow

But Seniors Group Warns That Second-Quarter Lull Is Typical

(AP)  The elderly got a little break on the cost of their medications in the second quarter of the year. Prices charged by manufacturers on brand-name drugs most commonly used by the elderly rose 0.5 percent, below the overall inflation rate, the AARP reported Tuesday.

Still, the advocacy group for seniors said it was not ready to celebrate a breakthrough in skyrocketing drug prices. Rather, it said that slowdowns have come to be expected from April through June because price increases usually take effect at the start of the year.

When seniors look back to the first half of the year, they'll still see that prices for 193 brand-name drugs rose an average of 4.3 percent, roughly double the overall inflation rate. The AARP said such price increases for wholesalers are routinely passed on to consumers, particularly the uninsured.

"Although millions in Medicare are now saving with the help of their Medicare drug plans, those in the coverage gap are paying on their own and know how expensive their medications have become," said David Sloane, who oversees government relations at the AARP. "In addition, nearly 7 million Americans ages 50-64 have no health insurance, are paying full freight and need relief."

The advocacy group cited the price increases to reiterate calls for legislation that would allow consumers to buy medicine from foreign countries such as Canada and nations within the European Union.

The brand-name drug with the highest price increase so far this year was Ambien — a 5-milligram dosage went up 13.2 percent. "If you're interested in a good night's sleep, it's going to cost you more," said the AARP's Dalmer Hoskins.

The next largest increases occurred with Combivent and Atrovent Inhaler. Both medicines have increased 12 percent so far this year. Combivent is used for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, a debilitating lung disease. Atrovent Inhaler makes it easier for people with asthma or COPD to breathe.

The AARP also reported that the news for generic medicine continues to be good for consumers. There were no price increases for the 75 generic drugs most widely used by seniors.

[hamiltongrad]

In our society, companies have a right to make a profit for their stock holders. It is no sure thing either. They have a very large risk in attempting to develop any new drug, which will serve the public. Because of all the expenses, drugs simply cost more. We have many new drugs that are expensive to develop, make and sell. If we bring other health care costs (like billions spent on free care to all non citizens) (I want them to have amnesty, and become citizens by the way, as 99 % are great people ! ) we would have extra to help ourselves, and to share out new drugs with the world. We can not have it both ways.

[amwsmith3]

THE RISING COST OF GENERIC DRUGS IS A MAJOR CRIME,AND THE FACT THAT INSURANCE COMPANIES, SUCH AS AARP SP0NSORED UNITED HEALTH CARE, AND OTHERS, CONTINUE TO GENEROUSLY PAY PHARMACIES OUTRAGEOUS PRICES FOR BRAND AND GENERIC NEEDS TO BE EXPOSED. PRICE CONTROLS ARE IN ORDER BECAUSE AARP AND INSURANCE COMPANIES, LIKE THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT - ALL HAVE THERE HANDS OUT; ALL PAT EACH OTHER ON THE BACK, ALL ARE INTO FAVORS FOR EACH OTHER---NOT FOR SENIORS NOR FOR THE AMERICAN PEOPLE IN GENERAL. WHY DO WE NO LONGER HAVE PEER REVIEW ORGANIZATIONS LOOKING INTO THE MISMANAGEMENT OF MEDICARE PAYMENTS, MEDICAID PAYMENTS, AND FRAUD.