AARP Hearing Center
Skyrocketing prescription drug costs coupled with the economic recession, widespread unemployment, and subsequent loss of health insurance are creating increased challenges for many New Jersey voters. The economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is likely to be more burdensome for older New Jerseyans and those who are taking multiple medications.
Top Findings
- 79% of registered voters age 18-plus in New Jersey reported that they have taken prescription drugs in the past two years or live with someone who has.
- 86% of those who reported that someone in the household has taken a prescription drug in the past two years also indicated medication is taken on a daily basis.
- 74% of registered voters age 18-plus in New Jersey believe that consumers pay more for the same prescription in the United States than in other countries.
- Regardless of party affiliation, the vast majority of respondents feel elected officials are not doing enough to address the high cost of prescription drugs. When asked whether elected officials are doing too much, too little, or just enough to address the high cost of prescription drugs, more than three-quarters say elected officials are doing too little.
Methodology
This survey was conducted before the COVID-19 pandemic. AARP engaged American Direction Research Group (ADRG) to conduct a quantitative research study among New Jersey residents ages 18-plus. Interviews were conducted with 1,200 residents of New Jersey between November 18 and December 8, 2019.
For more information about the survey, please contact Cassandra Cantave at ccantave@aarp.org. For media inquiries, please contact media@aarp.org.
MORE FROM AARP
Medication Literacy Series: Drug Formularies
This Fact Sheet highlights the essential components of drug formularies and considers the challenges that older adults, particularly those with low medication literacy, face when responding to the impacts and implications of formularies annually and throughout the plan year.
Medication Literacy Series: Medication Management
This Fact Sheet explores the range of formal medication management programs that are available and the challenges that older adults, especially those with limited medication literacy—the ability to obtain information about medication, process it, and use the information to make medication decisions—and their family caregivers face when trying to manage their medications.
