"Americans shouldn’t have to forgo life-saving medicines. But when they don't realize there are more affordable options at a different pharmacy, some have to do exactly that,” said Mark O. Griffith, OSPIRG Foundation’s Health Care Advocate.
Kristian Foden-Vencil / OPB
An Oregon watchdog has highlighted the benefits of shopping around for medications in a new report.
The Oregon State Public Interest Research Group, also known as OSPIRG, had researchers call 250 pharmacies over 11 states to ask about drug prices. They found enormous differences.
For example, 30 pills of the cholesterol lowering drug Lipitor cost between $300 and $800 a course. But Lipitor also has a generic version, Atorvastatin, which contains the same active ingredient as the name brand version. Mark Griffith with OSPIRG says researchers managed to find the generic pill for $7 a course.
“What consumers can do is, they can ask their doctor, ask their pharmacist, if there’s a generic alternative available and how much money that could save them," said Griffith.
"Because we’re looking at potential savings over a year of $3,000 for Lipitor versus Atorvastatin.”
About one in four Americans struggles to pay for medications.
"Americans shouldn’t have to forgo life-saving medicines. But when they don't realize there are more affordable options at a different pharmacy, some have to do exactly that,” said Griffith.
“Our medications don’t work any better when we pay more for them. We need a transparent prescription drug system that delivers value to patients at a reasonable price, instead of confusing and price-gouging them," said Mark Griffith, OSPIRG Foundation’s Health Care Advocate
Kristian Foden-Vencil / OPB
“Our medications don’t work any better when we pay more for them. We need a transparent prescription drug system that delivers value to patients at a reasonable price, instead of confusing and price-gouging them."
Oregon's Legislature is considering several bills that aim to bring transparency and savings to consumers.
"These survey results are very disturbing. We as consumers shouldn't have to run all over town finding the best price for our prescription drugs," said Ruby Haughton-Pitts, AARP Oregon State Director.
“We’re paying the highest prices in the world so drug companies can rake in billions.”
Retail prescription accounts for about 10% of the nation’s health care expenditure.