OBJECTIVES: Purpose of the present study is to estimate the out-of-pocket expenditure for prescribed and over-the-counter medicines in a representative sample of the population in Greece.

METHODS: Data for the analysis were extracted from the “Health and Welfare” health interview survey conducted by the Hellenic National School of Public Health and refer to year 2016. The study sample was representative of the Greek population and consisted of 2,003 adults. Participants were asked to state if they had purchased any medicines in the last month before the survey, as well as the amount of money they paid for prescribed and non-prescribed medication during that period.

RESULTS: Overall, 59.5% of the sample had used some kind of medication within the last 3 months, 68.9% of which were on a long-term treatment (more than 6 months). Additionally, 58.2% stated that they had purchased medicines within one month before the survey, 2.0% of which paid zero copayment for prescribed medications. Among those who had higher than zero medication expenditure, mean monthly copayment for prescribed medicines was estimated at 29.56€ (range: 1-500€, SD=34.799) and mean monthly payment for over-the-counter medicines was 21.29€ (range: 1-100€, SD=21.463). Mean monthly expenditure for both medication categories was higher for men, respondents of older age, those suffering from chronic diseases, respondents with lower self-assessed health status and those dealing with economic difficulties.

CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results, a large proportion of the sample is on a long-term medication treatment, most of which participate in their medication cost, at least partially, which indicates a constant economic burden. The fact that expenditure is higher in specific groups of the population should be taken into consideration by the national authorities when deciding on their fiscal policy.