Hispanics Struggling to Pay for Prescriptions, AARP Study Reveals

Source: AARP.org | June 8, 2007

A new AARP study shows that New Jersey's Hispanics are struggling to pay for their prescription drugs.

More than two thirds of Hispanics are concerned about being able to afford the cost of needed prescription drugs in the next two years. Many New Jersey Hispanics are not covered for prescriptions under their employers' health plans, and almost half pay full retail price for their medications.

The study was released at AARP's Hispanic Leadership Health Summit May 25. The summit brought together Hispanic community leaders, AARP members, lawmakers and the media to advocate for meaningful health care reform.

Forty-three percent of the respondents reported incomes of less than $20,000 a year, and nearly as many say they pay at least $100 a month on average for their medications. It's not surprising that half of those who have had to purchase prescriptions in the past year say it was a problem for them financially.

"For Hispanics, the somber reality is that disparities in both access to health care and quality of care are growing wider," said Luis J. Diaz, President of the United States Hispanic Advocacy Association.

Affordability of prescription drugs has direct consequences for the entire population of New Jersey, and AARP has made it a top priority as part of Divided We Fail. Divided We Fail is a social movement launched to amplify the voices of millions of Americans who believe that health care and lifetime financial security are the most pressing issues facing our nation.

Find more information about Divided We Fail online and be sure to sign the Divided We Fail Pledge.

If you would like to receive a copy of the report, email Jane Margesson, Communications Director.

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