3 Million Americans Will See Prescription Drug Savings

About This Project

Summary

Many Americans can’t afford the medications they need to manage common health issues, like diabetes, blood clots or cancer. As a result, they’re either skipping them or going bankrupt to get them. We inform readers about a new law that limits annual out-of-pocket spending for seniors. The story is told through the personal accounts of older adults whose lives will be improved by this new spending cap, plus AARP survey data that highlights the toll high drug prices take on older Americans.

Goals & Objectives

We wanted to raise awareness about an underrecognized provision in a law that took effect Jan. 1. It caps out-of-pocket prescription drug spending at $2,000 a year for older adults. We ran this story before Medicare’s open enrollment period so readers could ensure their prescriptions were covered.

Results & Impact

The article generated 50 comments -- much higher than usual for Medicare content -- and a lively discussion about concerns over drug costs and how the new benefits would work, as well as a desire for more content on drug costs.