On March 8, federal officials reported prescription drug spending is exceeding overall national healthcare spending, according to The Hill.
Here are four insights:
1. In 2014, drug spending rose 12.6 percent, the Department of Health and Human Services reported.
2. Drug spending is expected to grow by nearly 7.3 percent each year through 2018.
3. Between 2008 and 2012, drug spending only increased 2 percent.
4. Officials reported the increasing demand for costly medications is driving the majority of the increased spending.
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