A growing number of Americans are finding prescription drugs financially burdensome
In recent years, the affordability of prescription drugs has become a pressing concern for many Americans, leading to significant changes in how they manage their health care and daily expenses.
## Lifestyle Changes Due to Prescription Costs
High out-of-pocket costs have led to a rise in the number of Americans altering their prescription management strategies. According to a survey conducted in 2025, 42% of people reported making at least one change, such as delaying refills, rationing medications, or stopping medications entirely [2].
The financial strain caused by prescription costs is also evident in the daily expenses of many individuals. Approximately 30% of people have cut back on spending for food or clothing to afford their prescriptions, highlighting the impact of these costs on their overall budget [2].
Creative solutions are being employed by many individuals to reduce costs. These include the use of discount programs, free samples, and manufacturer copay cards [2].
## Financial Decisions
The inability to afford prescriptions has led to a rise in cost-saving measures among Americans. Over one-third of respondents have resorted to using over-the-counter drugs instead of prescriptions or skipping doses [4].
The financial burden of prescription drugs is such that one in five adults has foregone filling prescriptions altogether [4]. This trend is particularly prevalent among those with lower incomes and chronic conditions, who often face higher costs and resort to cost-saving measures more frequently [4].
## Addressing the Issue
Expanding resources to improve medication access and affordability is an important first step in addressing this issue. In 2025, 75% of people used at least one nontraditional resource to afford their medications, up from 70% in 2024 [7].
Discount programs were the most common tool used in 2025, with 43% of respondents utilizing them [7]. However, there is a need for more comprehensive solutions to ensure that all Americans have access to affordable prescription drugs.
Sources: [1] Peterson-KFF Health System Tracker [2] GoodRx Research [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] Various surveys conducted in 2024 and 2025 [8] GoodRx (2025) [9] Kaiser Family Foundation (2025)
- Due to escalating prescription costs, people have started modifying their prescription management approaches.
- A survey conducted in 2025 revealed that 42% of individuals have made alterations, such as postponing refills or rationing medications.
- High prescription costs are significantly impacting the daily expenses of many Americans, with 30% reducing spending on necessities like food or clothing.
- To mitigate expenses, individuals are exploring creative options, including using discount programs, free samples, and manufacturer copay cards.
- The inability to afford prescriptions is resulting in an increase in cost-saving measures among Americans, such as using over-the-counter drugs instead of prescriptions.
- Skipping doses isn't uncommon due to the financial burden, with over one-third of respondents admitting to this practice.
- The financial strain caused by prescription drugs is so severe that one in five adults has forfeited filling prescriptions.
- This trend is pronounced among lower-income individuals and those with chronic conditions, who often utilize cost-saving measures more frequently.
- To tackle this issue, it's important to expand resources to enhance medication access and affordability.
- In 2025, 75% of people utilized at least one nontraditional resource to afford their medications, marking an increase from 70% in 2024.
- Discount programs were the most extensively used tool in 2025, with 43% of respondents relying on them.
- Despite this, there is a need for more encompassing solutions to guarantee that all Americans can afford prescription drugs.
- The rising cost of prescription drugs is affecting various aspects of health and wellness, from science to sleep and workplace wellness.
- People with medical conditions such as chronic diseases, cancer, respiratory conditions, digestive health issues, eye health concerns, hearing problems, and autoimmune disorders are among those affected.
- Mental health, men's health, women's health, sexual health, and skin care are also influenced by these costs, as well as therapies and treatments, nutrition, and aging.
- Given the financial strain, people are taking a hard look at their personal finances and employing strategies like saving, debt management, and budgeting.
- Financial matters extend to wealth management and personal finance, with the growing concern about prescription costs affecting insurance policies like Medicare, cbd uses, neurological disorders, and finance.
