This updated fact sheet provides trend information about prescription drug expenditures and coverage, key factors that contribute to rising prescription spending, and efforts to contain rising drug costs.

The fact sheet shows that spending in the U.S. for prescription drugs was $216.7 billion in 2006. Although prescription drug spending has been a relatively small portion of national health care spending (10% in 2006) compared to spending for hospital (31%) and physician services (21%), it has been one of the fastest growing components.

 September 2008 Fact Sheet (.pdf)

Previous Versions

 May 2007 (.pdf)

 June 2006 (.pdf)

 November 2005 (.pdf)

 October 2004 (.pdf)

 May 2003 (.pdf)