Healthcare systems worldwide confront the tense conflict where life-saving medications are increasingly unaffordable, forcing patients and loved ones to assign costs to priceless human lives.
Global prescription drug spending reaches outstanding figures while patients struggle to access essential treatments. For example, Humira, a biological treatment for rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease, costs patients $7,300 on average without insurance for a two-week supply. Among other speciality medications, Biogen’s medication, Spinraza, treats spinal muscular atrophy for $750,000 for the first year, with subsequent annual treatments costing $375,000.
In 2020, global spending on prescription drugs was expected to reach $1.3 trillion, with the United States alone accounting for approximately $350 billion. In 2024, overall national prescription spending was expected to rise by 10% to 12%. Meanwhile, in the U.S., the average cost is already 2.78 times more than in 33 other countries.
Yet more viable options exist within this complex landscape.
Generic and biosimilar medications can cost up to 85% less than brand-name drugs. Amjevita, Cyltezo and Hadlima offer identical therapeutic benefits at a fraction of the price of Humira. If necessary, patients should explore these FDA-approved alternatives with healthcare providers.
Manufacturer assistance programs also provide relief across financial barriers. Commercially-insured patients can access Humira for $0 monthly through the Humira Complete program, though restrictions apply.
Government programs offer additional support, such as the “Extra Help” Medicare program, which assists low-income patients with deductibles, copayments and premiums. Beginning in 2025, Medicare beneficiaries will not pay more than $2,000 out of pocket annually before Part D coverage kicks in.
There are also strategies for people to yield significant savings, such as utilizing mail order services, comparing pharmacy prices and researching prescription discount programs.
Global prescription drug spending requires reform in how treatments are priced and marketed. When healthcare systems struggle to afford life-altering treatments, there is an important question to ask: How long before medicine becomes truly priceless — and therefore worthless — to those who need it most?
