I am writing in reference to the article titled “Older Utah voters are worried about health care and prescription drug costs, survey shows.” In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, I find it fascinating that most surveyed Utah voters listed being able to pay for prescription drugs and raising the minimum wage as a concern, but not all surveyed Utahns hold the same belief.
As an American and former Utahn, I am alarmed that not all Utahns are not concerned with these fundamental principles of survival in the United States. COVID-19 has brought an onslaught of anxieties, illness, and unexpected expenses to Americans. In Utah, the unemployment rate has risen since January 1.6% and is expected to increase in the coming months, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Reducing prescription drug costs should be a top priority to Utahns, especially when individuals are choosing not to fill prescriptions or not taking the recommended dose to save money, resulting in poor health outcomes. By raising the minimum wage and capping prescription drug costs, Utahns can move beyond survival. Applying caps to health plans, including prescription drugs at predictable costs of total expenditures, can benefit Utahns by reducing out of pocket expenditures.
With health care costs and unemployment rates rising due to COVID-19, it is more important than ever to make a living wage so that Utahns can afford prescription drugs and support their families in this trying time. All Utahns should make affordable prescription drugs and raising the minimum wage a top concern given the current state and expected increase of unemployment in forthcoming months.
Alissa L. Sedelow, Champaign, Ill.