Consumer Reports Investigates Sky-High Drug Prices

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- The problem of rising prescription drug prices is rampant.

Some 32 million people were hit with price hikes in the past year, according to a Consumer Reports survey.

And it's not just for big brand names or specialty drugs. Even prices for longtime generics drugs are increasing.

Consumer Reports has just released results from its investigation of high drug prices. It found that when people face higher drug costs, they don't go to the doctor and they don't always fill their prescriptions. And when they do fill their prescriptions, they don't take the medication as directed.

In most cases, pharmaceutical companies can raise the price of drugs without any restrictions. So what can you do?

• Let your doctor know you're concerned about costs. He or she may be able to find you a less expensive alternative or appeal to your insurance company to cover the costs.
• Shop around for better deals. Consumer Reports has found that prices vary widely, even within the same ZIP code.
• Check online for free coupons. GoodRX.com is one source.
• Do a price-check at low-cost online pharmacies based in the U.S., such as HealthWarehouse.com. But be careful of fraudulent websites. Only use a retailer that displays the VIPPS symbol, which shows it's a Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Site.

You can read Consumer Reports' full investigation here.

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