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Even as more prescription drugs become available in generic form, the costs for those medications most often prescribed to older Americans and those who are ill go up, placing an undue burden on people who can't afford health insurance.

As it's reported by MSN Health, "the wholesale prices of brand name medicines most commonly prescribed to elderly Americans increased an average of 7.4% last year, an increase about 2.5 times greater than general inflation."

And as these prices go up, those without health insurance are forced to go without potentially life saving medications. A national telephone survey found that 16% said they have a "serious" problem paying for prescription drugs; 29% said they haven't filled a prescription in the past two years because of the cost; and 23% said they've cut pills in half or skipped doses in order to make medications last longer.

The best thing for those who are looking for health insurance is to make sure your plan covers generic drugs, and specifically ask for them when prescribed by your doctor. Sometimes doctors aren't aware of the costs of a brand name drug, and in many cases, going with the generic version is just as good for your health, and a whole lot better for your pocketbook.