As prescription drug prices continue to escalate, many Americans are finding it increasingly challenging to afford necessary medications. A recent report highlights that Black Americans are particularly affected by these price hikes, revealing a troubling trend in health care affordability.
Understanding the crisis
According to a report from Patients for Affordable Drugs, an organization dedicated to advocating for affordable health care, the prices of 1,000 prescription drugs have surged this year. Alarmingly, nearly half of these increases have outpaced inflation, leaving many patients struggling to keep up.
The report indicates that one-third of Americans cannot afford their prescriptions, with Black and Latino patients aged 65 and older reporting the highest levels of difficulty in accessing their medications. This demographic faces systemic barriers that exacerbate their health challenges.
Specific drugs impacting Black Americans
Among the drugs highlighted in the report is Enhertu, a medication used to treat HER2-negative breast cancer, a condition that predominantly affects Black women. The manufacturer has raised the price of this drug eight times since 2019, with the latest increase pushing the monthly cost to over $2,800.
Another drug, Revlimid, used for treating multiple myeloma, has seen a 7% price increase. This is particularly concerning as Black Americans are more likely to be diagnosed with and die from this condition. The rising costs of these essential medications are not just numbers; they represent real challenges for families trying to manage chronic illnesses.
The voices of advocacy
Merith Basey, executive director of Patients for Affordable Drugs, emphasizes that these price hikes disproportionately impact people of color. This reality is compounded by systemic racism in health care, which has been well-documented.
Organizations like Patients for Affordable Drugs and Health Care for America Now are advocating for policies aimed at alleviating the financial burden on Americans. One significant legislative effort is the Inflation Reduction Act, signed into law by President Joe Biden, which aims to reduce prescription drug prices.
Critiques of the health care system
Margarida Jorge, executive director of Health Care for America Now, has criticized the health care industry for its handling of conditions that disproportionately affect minorities. She points out the long-standing neglect of diseases like sickle cell anemia, stating that although the disease has been known for many years, not much is being done to make it affordable. She believes that is because it is a disease that predominantly affects Black people.
The rising costs of prescription drugs are a pressing issue that requires immediate attention, particularly as they disproportionately affect Black Americans and other marginalized communities. Advocacy groups are working tirelessly to push for reforms that will make health care more accessible and affordable. As the conversation around health care affordability continues, it is crucial for policymakers to prioritize the needs of those most impacted by these systemic issues.
