At Frisco Family Services, staff are seeing an alarming trend. More seniors are going without the medications they need simply because they cannot afford them. Desiree, the Market Manager at Frisco Family Services, recalled one client whose story left a lasting impression. “She told me the hump on her back could have been prevented if she had been able to afford the medication years ago,” Desiree said. “It broke my heart to hear that something so painful and visible was avoidable, but completely out of reach for her because of the cost.”

Her story is not unique. According to recent national data, nearly 4 percent of Americans aged 65 and older report being unable to afford at least one of their prescribed medications. Many older adults take multiple prescriptions, making out-of-pocket costs unmanageable, even for those with Medicare coverage.

While upcoming changes to Medicare Part D are expected to help by capping annual out-of-pocket costs at two thousand dollars starting in 2025, the reality is that not all seniors reach that threshold. Many still struggle to pay for daily medications, especially those on fixed incomes. As the cost of living continues to rise, so does the financial pressure to choose between food, utilities, and essential prescriptions.

Local access is also becoming an issue. In the past two years, several pharmacies in the Dallas, Frisco, and Fort Worth area have closed their doors, including locations in Frisco, Plano, North Richland Hills, and Fort Worth. These closures are part of a nationwide trend, but they affect vulnerable populations the most, particularly seniors who may have limited transportation options or health conditions that prevent them from traveling longer distances.

The consequences of going without medication are not just personal, they are systemic. When preventable conditions go untreated, they can lead to hospitalizations, long-term complications, and increased medical costs for both individuals and the healthcare system.

At Frisco Family Services, we remain committed to supporting seniors in our community. Through financial assistance, case management, and access to local resources, we work to ensure that no one has to sacrifice their health due to financial hardship. But the need is growing.

Rising drug prices and pharmacy closures may be a national issue, but for too many of our neighbors, it is a daily reality. The time to act is now.

Community members who are aware of seniors in need are encouraged to refer them to Frisco Family Services for help. More information is available at friscofamilyservices.org.