The cost of HIV drugs has gone up by nearly 35% in recent years

An analysis of previously published HIV data finds that the cost of antiretroviral therapy for HIV in the U.S. has risen by nearly 35% since 2012. Here’s more: 

• The study: Researchers examined changes in cost of initially recommended ART combinations between 2012-2018. 
• The findings: In 2012, the average annual cost of recommended ART combinations was between $25,000-$35,000, but that increased 34% to between $36,000-$48,000 six years later. This growth in cost was also 3.5 times faster than the rate of inflation. 
• The caveats: The study only looked at overall costs and not what patients may have ultimately ended up paying out of pocket after accounting for insurance and other discounts or rebates.