Taking too many pills? Here's how to manage your medications as you age

As we get older, managing our health — especially our medications — can feel overwhelming. Different pills, different doses, and different times to take them can make it tricky to keep track of everything. And if you’re also taking vitamins or supplements, it gets even more complicated. Many older adults want to cut down on their medications, but it’s tough when you’re seeing multiple doctors and no one’s looking at the big picture.

With changes coming to Medicare Part D (prescription drug) coverage in 2025, now is a great time to focus on managing your medications better. Let’s talk about how you can cut down on unnecessary medications, make smarter choices, and what to consider when picking an insurance plan for the future.

Why managing medications matters

Medication management is all about making sure you’re only taking the medications you really need. For older adults, this is especially important because taking multiple medications at once can be risky. In fact, about 40% of adults aged 65 and older take five or more medications daily.

As we age, our bodies change, and that affects how medications work. Our kidneys and liver don’t process drugs the same way they did when we were younger, which can lead to more side effects or higher risks. Plus, when you’re dealing with things like diabetes, high blood pressure, or arthritis, the chances of being on several medications increase – and so does the risk of complications.

What is deprescribing?

Taking fewer medications is possible through a process called deprescribing. This is when doctors carefully stop or reduce medications that are no longer needed or may even be causing harm. Cutting back on unnecessary medications can help you feel better by reducing side effects like tiredness, insomnia, headaches, or constipation.

Research shows that many medications taken by older adults can be safely reduced. A study found that about 20-25% of medications can be stopped without causing any problems. But this process needs to be done with care — your doctor will look at your overall health, goals, and which medications are still helpful.

The importance of regular medication reviews

As we age, it’s important to have regular medication reviews with your primary care provider. This is when they look at all the medications you’re taking, no matter who prescribed them. They’ll see if anything can be reduced or stopped and if any medications are no longer safe or effective.

Deprescribing is not just about taking fewer pills; it’s about making sure the medications you do take are helping, not hurting. Your doctor will consider your current health, any changes in your condition, and whether newer treatments might work better for you.

Why medication reviews are helpful:

Safety: Stopping harmful or unnecessary medications reduces the risk of bad side effects.
Simplicity: Fewer medications make it easier to stick to your treatment plan.
Saving money: Reducing medications can lower your costs, especially if side effects are eliminated.
Personalized care: Regular reviews allow your doctor to tailor your treatment to your specific goals, values and preferences.

Talking about deprescribing

It's normal to feel unsure about stopping medications, and it’s important to have open conversations with your primary care provider. Make sure your goals and preferences are part of the decision-making process.

Changes coming to Medicare Part D

There are some big changes ahead for Medicare prescription drug coverage. Starting in 2025, Medicare will negotiate prices for certain high-cost drugs, which could lower your medication costs.

Here are a few key changes:

Lower drug prices: Medicare will negotiate prices for expensive medications.
Inflation rebates: If drug prices rise faster than inflation, companies will have to pay a rebate.
Out-of-pocket cost caps: Starting in 2025, there will be a $2,000 cap on how much you pay each year for Medicare Part D medications.

What to think about for 2025

When choosing a health insurance plan for 2025, there are a few things to keep in mind:

Medication costs: With Medicare negotiating drug prices, some of your medications may become cheaper.
Coverage: Make sure the plan you choose covers all your medications – and check for any restrictions.
Pharmacy networks: Some plans have preferred pharmacies that offer lower costs. Make sure your regular pharmacy is in your network.
Plan ratings: Check out the plan’s Star rating and read customer reviews. Plans with higher ratings are more likely to provide good customer service, reliable drug coverage, and access to needed medications.

Take control of your medications

Taking your medications is an important part of staying healthy as you age. Talk to your primary care provider about reviewing your medications regularly, and see if you can reduce or simplify your regimen. And as 2025 approaches, be sure to carefully weigh your healthcare options to find the health plan that works best for you.

By staying informed and proactive, you can make choices that improve your health and well-being while keeping costs under control.

What are you doing to live well and thrive?

Good health is one of the most important things in life, but your needs change as you grow older. Patina can help. We’re a medical practice that focuses specifically on adults 65+. We take a highly personalized and comprehensive approach that supports your total health and well-being – no matter your health status or goals. You’ll enjoy proactive care that goes beyond annual exams and sick visits, helping you manage conditions and stay healthy, coordinate with specialists, navigate care, and more. All through your own dedicated care team that’s always there for you. And, Patina can serve as your primary care provider or work alongside your existing doctor. Enjoy the same great benefits – no extra cost!

To learn more, call us at 855-478-8310 or share your contact details below.