The list of female celebrities who skipped the 2020 Grammy Awards includes Lady Gaga, Beyonce, and Taylor Swift. Although their absence may have dimmed their stars a bit, they remain three of the top performers in the world.

But if you're one of the 25% of women ages 18 to 64 who regularly skip their prescribed medication, you may be permanently dimming your chances for long-term survival.

According to a study from Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health, women in the U.S. are 54% more likely than men to skip needed medications.

Why? Because often health insurance is tied to employment. Women are less likely than men to have full-time jobs, and they earn less, so they often can’t afford their meds.

Among the most frequently prescribed medications for (nonpregnant) American women ages 15 to 44 are levothyroxine (for low-thyroid conditions), albuterol (for asthma), and SSRIs (to treat depression and anxiety).

You can’t skip any of those without risking devastating short- and long-term health consequences.

So if you're having trouble paying for your medications, look at these resources. They may offer reduced pricing, rebates, and other solutions:

• NeedyMeds (needymeds.org or email them at info@needymeds.org). They have information on assistance programs, databases, and organizations (around 40,000 of them) that offer drug coupons and rebates.

• The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) created the medicineassistancetool.org website to help patients get medicines for free or nearly free.

• Information is also available at RxAssist.org.