New Infographic: Medicines Cut Health Care Costs

Retail prescription medicines account for just 10 percent of U.S. health care spending and are often the most cost-effective means of preventing and treating disease.

A 2013 study by IMS Institute for Healthcare Informatics estimated that the U.S. health care system could save $213 billion annually if medicines were used properly. An article in Health Affairs echoed this sentiment and found that just an extra $1 spent on medicines for adherent patients with congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol can generate $3 to $10 in savings on emergency room visits and inpatient hospitalizations.

So not only do medicines help patients live longer and healthier lives, but they can help avoid U.S. health care costs.  

Check out our infographic below and watch our new video to help you learn how medicines can curb health care costs.