Drug samples not so free after all

When doctors hand out free prescription drug samples to patients it doesn't necessarily end up being a cost savings. In fact, a recent study surveyed nearly 6,000 patients; a total of 2,343 drug samples were given to participants during the course of the study. 80% of those who received free samples were wealthy and/or insured; uninsured and/or poorer patients were less likely to receive samples.

Ironically, those who received free drug samples went on to have significantly higher out-of-pocket prescription costs. On average patients spent $166 on prescriptions during the six months prior to the survey, $244 during the six months in which they received samples, and $212 for the following six months. Patients who didn't receive free samples spent $178 on average.

Researchers surmise that the higher costs might be because patients who receive the free samples are sicker and therefore have increased prescription needs. Or, patients who receive the free samples want to continue on the same (likely more expensive) medication rather than switching to a generic alternative.