West Virginia Prescription Drug Survey: An AARP Study

Findings from a random telephone survey of West Virginians age 60 and over about experiences with purchasing prescription medications and their needs and priorities for state prescription drug assistance programs. Of those surveyed...

• 91 percent say they have taken a prescription medication in the past year, and more than half of them report experiencing problems paying for it
  
• 56 percent report spending $50 per month or more for out-of-pocket prescription drug costs
  
• 13 percent have used the Golden Mountaineer Card to purchase prescription medications even though 77 percent of the respondents have heard of the card drug benefit
  
• 53 percent of those who have used the card have found it helpful in reducing their out-of pocket prescription drug costs while 40 percent say the benefit has not been helpful
  
• 66 percent support the state developing a more comprehensive prescription drug plan, even if the plan were to require a greater commitment of state resources
  

The survey of 804 age 60+ West Virginia residents was conducted by Woelfel Research Inc. between June 20 and July 1, 2002. The report was prepared by Anita Stowell-Ritter of AARP Knowledge Management who may be contacted at 202/434-6205 for further information. (20 pages)