AHRQ Reveals Top Five Drug Expenditures by the Elderly

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) has released information on the top five categories of prescription drugs for Medicare beneficiaries age 65 and older. The data is part of the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, Statistical Brief #280.

The categories, and the total expenses associated with each, are:

1. Metabolic agents ($18.6 billion)
2. Cardiovascular agents ($14.7 billion)
3. Central nervous system agents ($8.4 billion)
4. Gastrointestinal agents ($7 billion)
5. Hormones ($5.4 billion)

According to the brief, just over three-quarters of Medicare beneficiaries with a prescribed drug expense purchased cardiovascular agents (77.3 percent). Metabolic agents were purchased by 57.9 percent, 48.5 percent purchased central nervous system agents, 36.2 percent purchased hormones and 29.8 percent purchased gastrointestinal agents.

Of the top five categories, gastrointestinal agents had the highest price per prescription ($114). Metabolic agents came in at an average of $94, central nervous system agents were $65, hormones were $62 and cardiovascular agents were $40.

To view the statistical brief in its entirety, click here.