Strategies Used by Adults Aged 65 and Over to Reduce Their Prescription Drug Costs, 2016-2017.

In 2017, 86% of U.S. adults aged 65 and over reported being prescribed medication in the past 12 months (1). Most adults aged 65 and over have prescription drug coverage through either Medicare Part D or some source such as private health insurance, Medicaid, or Veterans Administration coverage (2). However, previous data indicate that some may still use strategies to reduce prescription drug costs, including not taking their medication as prescribed or asking their doctor for a lower-cost medication (3). This report examines the percentage of adults aged 65 and over who used these strategies to reduce their prescription drug costs in the past 12 months by selected characteristics.