Buying generic drugs and opting for home delivery could save the U_S_ billions of dollars
Prescription drugs can be costly for many patients, who might save a significant amount of money by purchasing cheap medication from Canada.
Prescription drugs can be costly for many patients, who might save a significant amount of money by purchasing cheap medication from Canada. According to the 2010 Drug Trend Report recently released by Express Scripts, patients who use low-cost, generic products and home delivery may not only be protecting their own wallets, but could save the U.S. as much as 33 percent on annual pharmacy-related waste.
The researchers found that 82 percent of patients who buy brand-name medications actually prefer generics. Meanwhile, about 70 percent of those who use a traditional brick-and-mortar pharmacy would rather have their drugs arrive by home delivery, due to the convenience and cost-effectiveness of this process.
Encouraging patients to buy cheap, generic medication and opt for it to be delivered to their homes could cut as much as $403 billion each year in unnecessary spending for the U.S. By promoting these behaviors, a total of $434 could be saved each year for every man, woman and child in the country.
"Our research and experience show that most patients, when presented with a choice, make decisions that lower costs and improve their health," said Bob Nease, chief scientist at Express Scripts. "Optimal healthcare outcomes are possible only with an advanced understanding of behavior."
Patients who buy cheap medication from Canada may be doing their wallets - and the American economy - a favor.
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