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How are older Minnesotans using prescription drugs?
Today’s health care for seniors is characterized by an
increasing use of prescription drugs. The combination of
high use of prescription drugs by seniors and the continuing
emergence of newer, more costly drugs raises a primary
concern: Do Minnesota seniors have adequate drug coverage?
That question was explored in the 2001 Survey of Older
Minnesotans, which was released by the Minnesota Board on
Aging (MBA). More than 2,200 Minnesotans age 55 and over
were interviewed by phone from April to June 2001 for the
survey. They were asked the following question concerning
their drug use:
- Do you take any prescription drugs on a daily basis?
- How many different types of prescription drugs do you
take a day?
- How much do you pay out-of-pocket each month for
prescription drugs?
- Do you have health insurance coverage to cover any of
the cost of drugs?
- Do you worry about being able to pay for prescription
drugs?
The results provide an overview of prescription drug use
among older Minnesotans and a profile showing the
characteristics of seniors who bear the burden of drug
costs.
Read the full summary of how older Minnesotans use
prescription drugs.
The Minnesota Board on Aging works on behalf of seniors,
their families and their communities to maintain the quality
of life and dignity of seniors. The MBA distributes $30
million in grants that fund a network of programs, such as
home-delivered meals, the Senior LinkAge Line® and the
Ombudsman for Older Minnesotans.
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