Understanding and Addressing Medication Complexity

Taking five or medications daily is part of everyday life for 29 percent of the U.S. population. For individuals with complex health and social needs, that number may jump to as many as 15-20 medications daily. Despite these numbers, there is scant guidance available to help people navigate complicated drug regimens — an issue that is compounded among low-income adults with complex needs.

This fact sheet sheds light on medication complexity and outlines opportunities to address it through innovative community-based strategies. It outlines examples of initiatives being developed as part of the Center for Health Care Strategies’ national initiative Community Management of Medication Complexity Innovation Lab, made possible through support from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation. See also the report, Opportunities to Enhance Community-Based Medication Management Strategies for People with Complex Health and Social Needs.