Is taking fewer medications the key to lowering drug costs in the U.S.?

In recent weeks, top health officials have floated an idea for bringing down prescription drug costs in the United States: getting Americans to take fewer medications.

In recent weeks, top health officials have floated an idea for bringing down prescription drug costs in the United States: getting Americans to take fewer medications.  

Health policy experts say that while the goal is reasonable, the approach places too much blame on patients and overlooks key issues with drug pricing. 

“We need new approaches,” Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary said last week at an event on food dyes, discussing the “alarming” rate of cancer and diabetes in young people. “Let’s not forget that the best way to lower drug prices is to stop taking drugs we don’t need.” 

Dr. Mehmet Oz, the administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, made a similar point at a White House event celebrating his confirmation. “Healthy people don’t consume health care resources,” Oz said. “The best way to reduce drug spending is to use less drugs because you don’t need them, because you’re healthy.” 

Chronic disease has been a particular focus for Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is planning to launch an ad campaign called “Take Back Your Health.” One part of the campaign will ask Americans to pledge to eat healthier and exercise as a way to address the country’s chronic health problems. Beyond the anticipated campaign, the White House hasn’t yet publicly laid out a strategy for lowering chronic disease rates.