![Image for article illustrating the impact of high drug prices on elderly financial stability [Courtesy of www.ccpixs.com]](https://deptmedicine.arizona.edu/sites/default/files/prescription-drug-prices_flickr_450x300px-96dpi.jpg "Image for article illustrating the impact of high drug prices on elderly financial stability [Courtesy of www.ccpixs.com]")
The University of Arizona Center on Aging’s Linda Phillips, RN, PhD, FAAN, FGSA, has authored an op-ed that was picked up by The Hill, a U.S. political newspaper and website published in Washington, D.C., since 1994, where she discusses the financial effect that high drug prices have on older Americans.
It’s the second op-ed that Dr. Phillips has had published recently. Just before Christmas, with another in the Arizona Daily Star, she framed Santa Claus as an archetype of the lovable elder in contrast to many older folks often unfairly portrayed as a burden when they very frequently serve as caregivers and stable financial support for their families.
Above right, illustration of cost of prescription drugs [Image courtesy of www.ccpixs.com]
Dr. Phillips, who is senior director of research and education in the center’s Arizona Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program, is also a Professor Emerita at the UCLA School of Nursing. In addition, she is a public voices fellow with The OpEd Project through the Women’s Foundation of Southern Arizona.
Her nursing and research career has focused largely on gerontology and in 2005 she was named Gerontologist of the Year by the Arizona Geriatric Society. She also has been named among the “16 Great Acute Care Nursing Professors” by NP Schools (NursePractitionerSchools.com).
![Generic drugs distribution and cost cycle (excerpted from a U.S. GAO report: www.gao.gov/products/GAO-16-706). [Image courtesy of U.S. Government Accountability Office]](https://deptmedicine.arizona.edu/sites/default/files/generic-drugs-cost-cycle_900x765px-96dpi.jpg "Generic drugs distribution and cost cycle (excerpted from a U.S. GAO report: www.gao.gov/products/GAO-16-706). [Image courtesy of U.S. Government Accountability Office]")
In Dr. Phillips’ Feb. 7 op-ed in The Hill, “Drug costs impact the financial well-being of older adults,” she notes:
“The Senate Committee on Finance recently invited pharmaceutical executives to testify regarding high drug prices. Many declined the invitation, offering a variety of excuses including one company who claimed their testimony would ‘create a language-barrier problem.’
“Nevertheless, based on this request and recent statements from legislators in the House, is clear that members of both parties are poised to take on the high cost of prescription drugs… It’s about time.”
Above right, image of generic drugs distribution and cost cycle (excerpted from a U.S. GAO report: www.gao.gov/products/GAO-16-706). [Image courtesy of U.S. Government Accountability Office]
She then cites several statistics, including a 25.1 percent general inflation rate versus a 214 percent increase in brand-name drug prices from 2006 to 2014, to illustrate the financial burdens put on senior citizens on fixed incomes.
EXTRA INFO: Prescription Drug Prices
Other good articles on this topic include the following:
- “Get More From Your Pharmacy: Get the lowest prices on your meds and the best service from your pharmacist” | Consumer Reports, Jan. 31, 2019
- “AARP to Congress: Do Something about Drug Prices – Organization’s volunteer president says seniors shouldn’t have to choose between medicine and food” | AARP Bulletin, Jan. 29, 2019
- “House Panel Launches Drug Price Investigation: A dozen companies are asked to explain high price increases for life-sustaining medicines” | AARP Bulletin, Jan. 15, 2019
- “Building a Better World, Together: Lowering Drug Prices – Gag rules begone” | Consumer Reports, Nov. 29, 2018
- “Drugs & Supplements: Retail Prices of Brand-Name Drugs Continue to Skyrocket” | AARP Bulletin, Posted Sept. 26, 2018
- “Rising Rx Prices: Why Our Drugs Cost So Much” | AARP Bulletin, May 1, 2017
- “Are you paying more for your Rx meds? A Consumer Reports’ poll shows one-third of Americans hit by high drug prices” | Consumer Reports, Aug. 13, 2015
ALSO SEE:
“Op-ed by Center on Aging Research and Education Director a Holiday Paean to Elderly Contributions” | Posted Jan. 3, 2019