Millions of Americans covered under the ACA, otherwise known as "Obamacare" can get prescription drugs for as little as $1 for generic or $5 for name brand. Even for people without insurance, common generics are sold by US pharmacies for $3/month. There is a real disconnect in Canada, which is often held up in the US by single-payer advocates as the standard to strive for.  On a more personal note, I know for a fact that many elderly people struggle with understanding costs and often pay too much, even if they have excellent retiree insurance.  It took me a lot of work to fix my late mother's prescription costs once I discovered her problems. She would not have been able to afford them at all if she did not have this insurance; I've seen people -- young and old -- at Canadian pharmacy counters walk away without their needed medication due to cost.  The government MUST fix this dire problem.