Reuters
That second quarter increase in the price of elderly specific drugs slowed from the 3.3 percent increase seen in the first quarter of the year.
AARP states, "Average price increases for the second quarter of any given year tend to be lower than first quarter increases, and this trend continued in 2005."
Prices on 75 widely used generic drugs were flat in the second quarter.
AARP tracks drug prices quarterly, urging manufacturers to lower the costs for seniors. The group is encouraging elderly Americans to sign up for the prescription drug coverage that will start in January under the Medicare federal health insurance plan for the elderly.
AARP measured the prices drug makers charge wholesale distributors for medicines to treat conditions such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, arthritis pain and osteoporosis.
