Variation in drug prices at pharmacies: are prices higher in poorer areas?

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To determine whether retail prices for prescription drugs are higher in poorer areas.

Data sources

The MyFloridarx.com website, which provides retail prescription prices at Florida pharmacies, and median ZIP code income from the 2000 Census.

Study design

We compared mean pharmacy prices for each of the four study drugs across ZIP code income groups. Pharmacies were classified as either chain pharmacies or independent pharmacies.

Data collection

Prices were downloaded in November 2006.

Principal findings

Across the four study drugs, mean prices were highest in the poorest ZIP codes: 9 percent above the statewide average. Independent pharmacies in the poorest ZIP codes charged the highest mean prices.

Conclusions

Retail prescription prices

SUBMITTER: Gellad WF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2677057 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature