Exploring what's behind the rising costs of prescription medicine Due to the rising costs of prescription medication, families are being forced to choose between paying their bills or purchasing medicine they need. and last updated 2021-03-09 19:19:36-05 (WXYZ) â Due to the rising costs of prescription medication, families are being forced to choose between paying their bills or purchasing medicine they need. Fifteen years ago, 6 percent of overall health care expense was spent on prescription drugs. Today itâs at over 22 percent. In the midst of the pandemic, the AARP says big drug companies raised prices on hundreds of medications, including those commonly used in intensive care units and drugs being used to treat COVID-19.