The University of Michigan and the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System conducted a three-year study of the affects on health care when older adults stop taking prescription medications due to the costs. The study, involving more than 8,000 seniors, showed that older adults who cut back their use of prescription drugs suffered more health problems than those who continued to take their prescribed medications.

The study authors concluded that it is essential for doctors to communicate with their patients about whether they can afford the medications being prescribed. Seniors are encouraged to ask their doctors for help, and to consider other options, such as utilizing generic medications or government programs, before simply deciding to not fill their prescriptions. For more information about the study and its results, visit www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2004-09/uomh-mwc090804.php.