Is America taking too much medicine—and paying the price?
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If you’ve ever opened your pharmacy bill and felt your blood pressure spike, you’re not alone.
Prescription drug costs in the US are sky-high, and for many older Americans, the price tag can be downright shocking. But lately, a new idea is making the rounds: Could simply taking fewer medications be the secret to slashing your drug costs?
It sounds simple—maybe even a little too simple. But is it really the answer? Or is there more to the story? Let’s dig deep into the debate, separating fact from fiction, and give you the tools to take control of your health—and your wallet.
The “Fewer Meds” Movement: What’s Behind the Buzz?
In recent weeks, top health officials have floated a bold idea: If Americans took fewer prescription drugs, we’d all save money.
Dr. Marty Makary, the Food and Drug Administration Commissioner, put it bluntly, “The best way to lower drug prices is to stop taking drugs we don’t need.”
Dr. Mehmet Oz, now head of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, echoed the sentiment, saying, “Healthy people don’t consume health care resources.”
As chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and obesity continue to rise, a shift in healthcare campaigns happened as well.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is even launching a “Take Back Your Health” campaign, urging Americans to eat better and exercise more as a way to cut down on medication use. However, Americans have yet to hear about the strategy to lower chronic disease rates.
The Numbers Don’t Lie: Chronic Disease Is Everywhere
Here’s the reality: About 3 in 4 adults in the US had at least one chronic disease in 2023, according to the CDC.
And the number is climbing, especially among younger adults. Chronic conditions cost the US trillions each year—not just in doctor’s visits, but in prescription drugs.
It’s true that healthier people with fewer chronic conditions generally spend less on medications. But is the solution really as simple as “just take fewer pills”?
Also read: Popular foods could look very different soon—RFK Jr’s FDA cracks down on this ingredient
The Real Story: Why Drug Prices Are So High
Here’s where things get complicated. Experts warn that focusing only on taking fewer medications misses the bigger picture.
Dr. Adam Gaffney, a Harvard Medical School physician, points out, “We have the highest drug prices in the world, and when that’s the case, you’re going to be spending a lot on drugs, regardless of whether you’re healthier or sicker.”
In other words, even if you do everything right—eat your veggies, walk every day, and keep your weight in check—you might still need medication. And you’ll still pay more for it than people in other countries.
Stacie Dusetzina, a health policy professor at Vanderbilt, agrees: “People should not be blamed for their need of medication.”
Many conditions, like Type 1 diabetes, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and certain cancers, have nothing to do with lifestyle choices. For millions, prescription drugs are a lifeline, not a luxury.
Are Americans Overmedicated?
It’s true that some experts and politicians believe Americans are taking too many medications.
There’s been criticism of the widespread use of antidepressants and the new wave of diabetes and weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy. But the science is clear: For many, these medications are necessary and effective.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has cast doubt on the safety of antidepressants, once claiming they can be “more difficult to stop taking than heroin”—a statement not backed by research.
He’s also criticized popular drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, telling Fox News that companies bank on selling them because “we’re so stupid and so addicted to drugs.” (He later clarified to CNBC, saying, “the first line of response should be lifestyle... those GLP drugs have a place.”)
Also read: Is this medication at risk? RFK Jr.’s controversial claim could affect millions—here’s what you need to know
And while it’s always wise to review your prescriptions with your doctor—especially as you age—no one should feel guilty for taking medicine they need to stay healthy.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration recently dropped a Biden-era plan for Medicare to cover weight-loss drugs.
While Kennedy and others push for self-responsibility in health, drug pricing expert Stacie Dusetzina questioned the impact: “If we stopped using as many drugs, there’s nothing necessarily to say that companies won’t just re-price their drugs.”
She contrasted this with Biden’s approach, which targeted pricing directly—like capping insulin costs at $35 for Medicare patients, a move that led private insurers to follow suit.
The law also imposed penalties on drug companies that hike prices faster than inflation and, most significantly, gave Medicare the power to negotiate directly with manufacturers over the costliest prescription drugs.
It’s still unclear whether the Trump administration will expand or reduce these negotiations.
Larry Levitt, executive vice president for health policy at KFF, said most people agree that healthier lifestyles—like improved diet and more physical activity—can lower health care costs.
“But,” he cautioned, “the anti-pharma rhetoric threatens to obscure the fact that there are chronic illnesses that people can’t control through behavior change,” citing conditions like Type 1 diabetes, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and certain cancers.
Also read: Experts warn: Trump’s tariffs could drive up drug prices and cause shortages
Adam Gaffney of Harvard Medical School added, “The idea that high drug costs in the U.S. are mainly due to Americans’ poor health choices is just not true.”
What About Drug Company Profits?
Here’s a fact that might surprise you, coming from a report by 46brooklyn, a nonprofit group that monitors US drug pricing: Even if Americans took fewer medications, there’s no guarantee drug companies would lower their prices.
In fact, a recent report found that drugmakers raised the net prices on 963 brand-name drugs in January 2025 alone. That’s up from 896 the year before.
The medications named include Stelara, used for autoimmune conditions like psoriasis, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis; Revcovi, which treats the rare immune deficiency ADA-SCID; Nexavar, for liver, kidney, and thyroid cancers; and Januvia, which helps manage blood sugar in people with Type 2 diabetes.
Source: FOX 5 New York / Youtube.
“The whole framing I find perverse,” said Adam Gaffney.
A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services stated the Trump administration is “committed to lowering the cost of prescription drugs and helping Americans regain and maintain their health.”
“By advancing pro-patient, pro-innovation policies and cutting unnecessary red tape, we are working to make life-saving treatments more affordable and accessible—without compromising safety or quality,” the spokesperson added.
Gaffney urged health officials to move away from portraying medication use as inherently negative.
He pointed out that even healthy, active older adults often struggle to manage conditions like high blood pressure without medication.
In earlier news: Potentially life-changing news for Medicare and Medicaid users – Biden's proposal could cover the cost of popular drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic!
Without access to those drugs, he said, “they would likely end up in the hospital with heart attack or stroke,” which would drive up health care costs.
“People need prescription medications,” Gaffney emphasized. “They help us live longer, when properly used, they help us to be healthier.”
So, while taking fewer medications might help some people save money, it won’t fix the underlying problem of sky-high drug prices.
What’s the Government Doing About It?
The Biden administration took some big steps to rein in drug costs, especially for older Americans.
The Inflation Reduction Act capped insulin costs at $35 a month for Medicare recipients and allowed Medicare to negotiate prices on the most expensive drugs. It also penalized drug companies for raising prices faster than inflation.
But the future of these policies is uncertain. The Trump administration has signaled a shift toward “personal responsibility” and away from direct action against drugmakers. Whether that will help or hurt consumers remains to be seen.
Source: NBC News / Youtube.
What Can You Do to Lower Your Prescription Costs?
While the national debate rages on, there are practical steps you can take right now to protect your health and your wallet:
1. Review Your Medications Regularly
Schedule a “medication checkup” with your doctor or pharmacist at least once a year. Ask if all your prescriptions are still necessary, or if any can be reduced or eliminated safely.
2. Embrace Healthy Habits—But Be Realistic
Eating well, staying active, and managing stress can help prevent or manage some chronic conditions. But remember: Not all illnesses are preventable, and you should never stop taking a prescribed medication without your doctor’s guidance.
3. Shop Around for the Best Prices
Use tools like GoodRx, SingleCare, or your insurance plan’s preferred pharmacy to compare prices. Sometimes, paying cash is cheaper than using insurance!
4. Ask About Generics
Generic drugs are just as effective as brand-name versions and can save you a bundle.
5. Explore Assistance Programs
Many drug companies and nonprofit organizations offer help with prescription costs. Ask your pharmacist or visit websites like NeedyMeds.org for more information.
Read next: This pharmacy tip slashed this woman's prescription bill to $45—find out how!
Have you struggled with high prescription costs? Have you ever worked with your doctor to reduce your medications? What tips do you have for saving money at the pharmacy? Share your story in the comments below!
Prescription drug costs in the US are sky-high, and for many older Americans, the price tag can be downright shocking. But lately, a new idea is making the rounds: Could simply taking fewer medications be the secret to slashing your drug costs?
It sounds simple—maybe even a little too simple. But is it really the answer? Or is there more to the story? Let’s dig deep into the debate, separating fact from fiction, and give you the tools to take control of your health—and your wallet.
The “Fewer Meds” Movement: What’s Behind the Buzz?
In recent weeks, top health officials have floated a bold idea: If Americans took fewer prescription drugs, we’d all save money.
Dr. Marty Makary, the Food and Drug Administration Commissioner, put it bluntly, “The best way to lower drug prices is to stop taking drugs we don’t need.”
Dr. Mehmet Oz, now head of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, echoed the sentiment, saying, “Healthy people don’t consume health care resources.”
As chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and obesity continue to rise, a shift in healthcare campaigns happened as well.
Senior US health officials have suggested that encouraging Americans to take fewer medications could help lower prescription drug costs, focusing particularly on prevention and healthier lifestyles. Image source: Myriam Zilles / Unsplash.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is even launching a “Take Back Your Health” campaign, urging Americans to eat better and exercise more as a way to cut down on medication use. However, Americans have yet to hear about the strategy to lower chronic disease rates.
The Numbers Don’t Lie: Chronic Disease Is Everywhere
Here’s the reality: About 3 in 4 adults in the US had at least one chronic disease in 2023, according to the CDC.
And the number is climbing, especially among younger adults. Chronic conditions cost the US trillions each year—not just in doctor’s visits, but in prescription drugs.
It’s true that healthier people with fewer chronic conditions generally spend less on medications. But is the solution really as simple as “just take fewer pills”?
Also read: Popular foods could look very different soon—RFK Jr’s FDA cracks down on this ingredient
The Real Story: Why Drug Prices Are So High
Here’s where things get complicated. Experts warn that focusing only on taking fewer medications misses the bigger picture.
Dr. Adam Gaffney, a Harvard Medical School physician, points out, “We have the highest drug prices in the world, and when that’s the case, you’re going to be spending a lot on drugs, regardless of whether you’re healthier or sicker.”
In other words, even if you do everything right—eat your veggies, walk every day, and keep your weight in check—you might still need medication. And you’ll still pay more for it than people in other countries.
Stacie Dusetzina, a health policy professor at Vanderbilt, agrees: “People should not be blamed for their need of medication.”
Experts argue this approach unfairly places blame on patients, ignores the fact that many rely on essential medication unrelated to lifestyle choices, and overlooks that US drug prices are the highest in the world. Image source: NBC News / Youtube.
Many conditions, like Type 1 diabetes, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and certain cancers, have nothing to do with lifestyle choices. For millions, prescription drugs are a lifeline, not a luxury.
Are Americans Overmedicated?
It’s true that some experts and politicians believe Americans are taking too many medications.
There’s been criticism of the widespread use of antidepressants and the new wave of diabetes and weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy. But the science is clear: For many, these medications are necessary and effective.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has cast doubt on the safety of antidepressants, once claiming they can be “more difficult to stop taking than heroin”—a statement not backed by research.
He’s also criticized popular drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, telling Fox News that companies bank on selling them because “we’re so stupid and so addicted to drugs.” (He later clarified to CNBC, saying, “the first line of response should be lifestyle... those GLP drugs have a place.”)
Also read: Is this medication at risk? RFK Jr.’s controversial claim could affect millions—here’s what you need to know
And while it’s always wise to review your prescriptions with your doctor—especially as you age—no one should feel guilty for taking medicine they need to stay healthy.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration recently dropped a Biden-era plan for Medicare to cover weight-loss drugs.
While Kennedy and others push for self-responsibility in health, drug pricing expert Stacie Dusetzina questioned the impact: “If we stopped using as many drugs, there’s nothing necessarily to say that companies won’t just re-price their drugs.”
She contrasted this with Biden’s approach, which targeted pricing directly—like capping insulin costs at $35 for Medicare patients, a move that led private insurers to follow suit.
Critics also point out that reducing medication use alone would not address the underlying issue of how pharmaceutical companies set drug prices. Image source: NBC News / Youtube.
The law also imposed penalties on drug companies that hike prices faster than inflation and, most significantly, gave Medicare the power to negotiate directly with manufacturers over the costliest prescription drugs.
It’s still unclear whether the Trump administration will expand or reduce these negotiations.
Larry Levitt, executive vice president for health policy at KFF, said most people agree that healthier lifestyles—like improved diet and more physical activity—can lower health care costs.
“But,” he cautioned, “the anti-pharma rhetoric threatens to obscure the fact that there are chronic illnesses that people can’t control through behavior change,” citing conditions like Type 1 diabetes, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and certain cancers.
Also read: Experts warn: Trump’s tariffs could drive up drug prices and cause shortages
Adam Gaffney of Harvard Medical School added, “The idea that high drug costs in the U.S. are mainly due to Americans’ poor health choices is just not true.”
What About Drug Company Profits?
Here’s a fact that might surprise you, coming from a report by 46brooklyn, a nonprofit group that monitors US drug pricing: Even if Americans took fewer medications, there’s no guarantee drug companies would lower their prices.
In fact, a recent report found that drugmakers raised the net prices on 963 brand-name drugs in January 2025 alone. That’s up from 896 the year before.
The medications named include Stelara, used for autoimmune conditions like psoriasis, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis; Revcovi, which treats the rare immune deficiency ADA-SCID; Nexavar, for liver, kidney, and thyroid cancers; and Januvia, which helps manage blood sugar in people with Type 2 diabetes.
Source: FOX 5 New York / Youtube.
“The whole framing I find perverse,” said Adam Gaffney.
A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services stated the Trump administration is “committed to lowering the cost of prescription drugs and helping Americans regain and maintain their health.”
“By advancing pro-patient, pro-innovation policies and cutting unnecessary red tape, we are working to make life-saving treatments more affordable and accessible—without compromising safety or quality,” the spokesperson added.
Gaffney urged health officials to move away from portraying medication use as inherently negative.
He pointed out that even healthy, active older adults often struggle to manage conditions like high blood pressure without medication.
In earlier news: Potentially life-changing news for Medicare and Medicaid users – Biden's proposal could cover the cost of popular drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic!
Without access to those drugs, he said, “they would likely end up in the hospital with heart attack or stroke,” which would drive up health care costs.
“People need prescription medications,” Gaffney emphasized. “They help us live longer, when properly used, they help us to be healthier.”
So, while taking fewer medications might help some people save money, it won’t fix the underlying problem of sky-high drug prices.
What’s the Government Doing About It?
The Biden administration took some big steps to rein in drug costs, especially for older Americans.
The Inflation Reduction Act capped insulin costs at $35 a month for Medicare recipients and allowed Medicare to negotiate prices on the most expensive drugs. It also penalized drug companies for raising prices faster than inflation.
But the future of these policies is uncertain. The Trump administration has signaled a shift toward “personal responsibility” and away from direct action against drugmakers. Whether that will help or hurt consumers remains to be seen.
Source: NBC News / Youtube.
What Can You Do to Lower Your Prescription Costs?
While the national debate rages on, there are practical steps you can take right now to protect your health and your wallet:
1. Review Your Medications Regularly
Schedule a “medication checkup” with your doctor or pharmacist at least once a year. Ask if all your prescriptions are still necessary, or if any can be reduced or eliminated safely.
2. Embrace Healthy Habits—But Be Realistic
Eating well, staying active, and managing stress can help prevent or manage some chronic conditions. But remember: Not all illnesses are preventable, and you should never stop taking a prescribed medication without your doctor’s guidance.
3. Shop Around for the Best Prices
Use tools like GoodRx, SingleCare, or your insurance plan’s preferred pharmacy to compare prices. Sometimes, paying cash is cheaper than using insurance!
4. Ask About Generics
Generic drugs are just as effective as brand-name versions and can save you a bundle.
5. Explore Assistance Programs
Many drug companies and nonprofit organizations offer help with prescription costs. Ask your pharmacist or visit websites like NeedyMeds.org for more information.
Read next: This pharmacy tip slashed this woman's prescription bill to $45—find out how!
Have you struggled with high prescription costs? Have you ever worked with your doctor to reduce your medications? What tips do you have for saving money at the pharmacy? Share your story in the comments below!
