Prescription drug costs are expected to see the fastest annual growth among health care expenditures over the next decade, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) predicts, rising an average of 6.3% a year due to higher drug prices and more use of specialty drugs such as those for genetic disorders and cancer.

Americans use the doctor less than people in other countries. We still pay more for health care.

The United States is routinely the most expensive place to buy medical care, whether that’s a Humira pen or a knee replacement or an MRI scan.

Researchers say bold bipartisan action is needed to stem the rising cost of popular prescription drugs that treat cancer, diabetes and other conditions.

• More than 3,400 drugs have boosted their prices in the first six months of 2019, an increase of 17% in the number of drug hikes from a year earlier.

• The average price hike is 10.5%, or 5 times the rate of inflation.

• The drug hikes come at a time when lawmakers and the Trump administration have vowed to address the problem of rising prescription costs.