A recent TIME article revealed that for the first time, more than half of all insured Americans are regularly taking prescription medicine for chronic health problems. The study was conducted by Medco Health Solutions Inc – a company that manages prescription plans for 1 in 5 insured Americans – who gathered prescription statistics from a sampling of 2.5 million customers, of all age groups, from 2001-2007.
While 51% of Americans are taking chronic medication, the report reveals startling statistics regarding the breakdown of chronic medication use amongst varying demographics:
o Almost two-thirds of women 20 and older
o 1 in 4 children and teenagers
o 52% of adult men
o 3 out of 4 people 65 or older
o Among seniors, 28% of men and 22% of women take five or more medications regularly
Especially amongst the older and adult male demographics, a large majority of the chronic medication can probably be contributed to blood pressure and cholesterol-related medications, or those typically prescribed for heart disease and diabetes.
The other statistics reveal another side of the issue: chronic medication for behavioral and/or mental health issues, or for physical health issues in younger people. As noted by Dr. Robert Epstein, chief medical officer at Medco, the biggest jump in use of chronic medications was in the 20- to 44-year-old age group — adults in the prime of life — where it rose 20 percent over the six years. That was mainly due to more use of drugs for depression, diabetes, asthma, attention-deficit disorder and seizures.
Antidepressant use in particular jumped among teens and working-age women. Doctors attributed that to more stress in daily life and to family doctors, including pediatricians, being more comfortable prescribing newer antidepressants.
Whether it’s for the more common physical health concerns, or for rising behavioral and mental health conditions, the fact is chronic medication use is on the rise, and will most likely continue to rise. Even though employees are spending more out-of-pocket for their own and their families’ healthcare, employers are still footing a large percentage of the prescription costs and health-care costs for doctor’s visits, lab tests and ongoing care for chronic conditions.
The most effective way to begin to impact rising healthcare costs for both physical and mental health issues, is through is through a state-of-the-art workplace wellness program combined with an effective employee assistance program. Wellness and EAP offerings, such as education, intervention, prevention, and promotion of healthy living, also need to be extended to the entire family. Americans in general need to take more responsibility for their personal health, and employers can help them get there.
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