In 2016 the drug expenditures reached $328 billion with this being the most rapidly rising expenditure of all the medical expenditures (Feldstein, 2019). High drug expenditures are a burden to the state, federal deficit, and private insurance companies, with patients having to pay a higher percentage out of pocket for drugs than any other expenditure (Feldstein, 2019). The factors that contribute to the rise in drug expenditures are surge in drug prescription use, rise in drug prices, and the types of drugs prescribed (Feldstein, 2019). With the increase in drug cost this becomes not only a concern for patients but for prescribers, payers, and policy makers as well (Kesselheim et al., 2016). The spending on prescriptions drugs in the U.S. is largely driven by the price of brand-name drugs, manufacturers are allowed to set high drug prices because the market is protected by monopoly rights awarded upon Food and Drug Administration approval and by patents (Kesselheim et al., 2016). The high cost of medications can cause patients to forgo these prescribed regimens which could be detrimental to their health (Kesselheim et al., 2016).

Unfortunately, without policies in place we are unlikely to see these expenditures decrease. As we continue to replace old drugs with new drugs, we will continue to see growth in these expenditures, some see this as a good thing because it means that new drugs are more effective than the previous drugs (Feldstein, 2019). As the population continues to age and more drugs are utilized the expenditures will remain high (Feldstein, 2019). A major item that can help with these expenditures is policy from the federal government. If the government and FDA would not allow for the monopolies of drug manufacturers based on patent it would allow for competition which would quite possibly lower the drug prices (Kesselheim et al., 2016). By removed or not allowing this monopoly there would be meaningful price negotiation by governmental payers, generating more evidence about comparative cost-effectiveness (Kesselheim et al., 2016). The U.S allows for manufacturers to set their own price for any given product where in countries with national health insurance a delegated body negotiates drug prices and rejects the coverage of products if the price is excessive (Kesselheim et al., 2016). While we do not have national health insurance it may be beneficial to investigate the delegating body to oversee and negotiate drug pricing.

The Bible teaches us For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs (ESV, 2001, 1 Timothy 6:10). We should not be allowing for money to control the market; we should be ensuring that those who need medications are able to affordably access them. Something needs to be done about the rising drug expenditures to help those in need be able to afford the medications that could very well be keeping them alive. We need to stop allowing money to be in control and find our way back to faith and doing things the way God would want us to.