Question

Which of the following statements about prescription drug costs is FALSE?

A) The costs of prescription drugs continue to rise and to require greater proportions of healthcare spending
B) Drug spending will increase to $190 to $225 billion in 2023
C) Prescription drug costs increased by 5.7% from 2018 to 2019
D) Prescription drug costs for specialty drugs may be of even more of a concern

Answer 1

The false statement about prescription drug costs is the exact prediction for 2023 spending. Prescription drug costs, especially for specialty drugs, are rising and have significant impact on healthcare spending. The Medicare Prescription Drug and Modernization Act of 2003 has helped the elderly but has increased government spending.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement that is FALSE about prescription drug costs is 'Drug spending will increase to $190 to $225 billion in 2023' because we do not have the exact future figures and predictions can vary. However, we do know that prescription drug costs are a concern, and costs have been rising steadily over the years. This trend is partially due to the aging population and increase in chronic health problems that require medication. The Medicare Prescription Drug and Modernization Act of 2003 aimed to address this issue by offering assistance to those in need, particularly the elderly, but the expense to federal government and overall healthcare spending has been high.

The introduction of Medicare prescription benefits has been significant in aiding public health, despite criticisms of its high costs. The burgeoning costs are especially pronounced when it comes to specialty drugs, which are known for being exceptionally expensive. The American Association for Retired People (AARP) has been a formidable lobbying group advocating for senior citizens, which contrasts with the lack of such a central organization for those without health insurance.