Approximately two-thirds of adults in the U.S. utilize prescription medications, with a disproportionate amount being used by those who are older and people with conditions which are chronic in nature. As the number of people using medications has increased, so have the number of prescribed medications per person. All this, along with technological advances, has led to increase expenditures at the individual and health plan level. This financial impact can lead to people taking less medication than is prescribed in an effort to realize cost savings. This article explores chronic conditions, consumer demographics, and how policies impact compliance.