Elderly Woman Arrested After Trying to Steal Medication Her Husband Needed When Price Jumped From $50 to $950
UNITED STATES — A 91-year-old woman was briefly arrested after attempting to take life-saving medication for her seriously ill husband when the price of his prescription surged from $50 to nearly $950, leaving the couple unable to pay. The deeply emotional incident has sparked renewed attention on the struggles elderly Americans face while trying to survive within a broken healthcare system.
Medication Price Spike Left Couple Desperate
According to details shared from the incident, the woman’s 88-year-old husband relied on a medication that had been stable and affordable for years. But once their insurance coverage ended, the cost skyrocketed from $50 to $950, creating an impossible financial burden.
Witnesses said the woman spent days watching her husband gasp for breath, knowing she could not afford the one medication keeping him alive. Family members said she had no history of criminal behavior and had never posed a risk to anyone.
Attempt to Take Medication Led to Felony Charge
Out of desperation, the woman returned to the pharmacy and quietly placed the medication inside her purse, intending to leave without paying. She was immediately stopped by staff and detained until authorities arrived. Officers charged her with felony theft, despite her advanced age and fragile condition.
During the booking process at the jail, the woman’s blood pressure dropped to dangerous levels. She collapsed and was rushed to a hospital for emergency medical care. By the next morning, she remained wearing only a thin hospital gown when she was taken into court for her initial appearance.
Judge Dismisses Charges After Emotional Court Hearing
In the courtroom, the judge listened as the woman softly explained that she had simply run out of options. She said she did not know what else to do after watching her husband struggle without the medication he needed to survive. Moved by her situation, the judge ordered the handcuffs removed, dismissed the felony charge entirely, and stated openly in court that this was not a crime, but a tragedy created by the healthcare and prescription-drug pricing system.
Case Highlights Growing Crisis for Elderly Americans
The emotional case underscores the challenges many older Americans face as medication prices soar while fixed incomes remain stagnant. Advocates say the woman’s experience is far from unique, and many elderly individuals are forced to choose between life-saving medication, rent, or food.
As discussions continue nationwide about healthcare reform and drug pricing policies, readers can stay updated on stories affecting families and seniors across the country by following NapervilleLocal.com for continued coverage.
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