What term describes the financial burden of drug costs on health and quality of life?

• A. Economic Burden
• B. Financial Toxicity
• C. Price Volatility
• D. Insurance Gaps

Answer: (B)

Financial toxicity describes the financial distress patients experience because of drug costs and how that distress affects health decisions and quality of life. It’s not just the sticker price of a medication; it encompasses out-of-pocket costs, insurance copays and deductibles, potential lost income from time off work, and the stress these burdens create. That stress can lead to skipping doses, delaying or forgoing treatment, or choosing cheaper, less effective options, ultimately harming health and overall well-being.

Other terms describe different ideas: Economic burden refers to the broader cost to society or health systems, not the individual's personal financial hardship; price volatility focuses on how drug prices fluctuate over time; insurance gaps highlight gaps in coverage rather than the personal financial impact on health. Financial toxicity uniquely captures how financial strain from drug costs translates into real health and quality-of-life consequences.