Skyrocketing prescription costs leave a growing number of Americans financially strained
In recent years, the affordability of prescription medications has emerged as a significant concern for many Americans, with high costs leading to challenging financial decisions and compromises on healthcare.
According to a recent survey, over half (57%) of people surveyed in 2025 worried about affording at least one healthcare or essential cost in the past year. This worry is reflected in the actions taken by Americans to manage their prescription drug costs.
One of the most common ways people have had to adapt is by rationing their medications. About one in five adults reported not filling a prescription or taking less of their medication than prescribed because they could not afford it. This practice is particularly common among those with chronic conditions, who are twice as likely to delay or go without medication due to cost.
Financial sacrifices have also become a reality for many, with almost 30% of people having to cut back on spending for food or clothing to pay for prescriptions. Additionally, about one-third of the public has taken cost-saving measures such as taking over-the-counter drugs instead of prescriptions or skipping doses.
High prescription drug prices not only affect individuals financially but also pose a public health threat, particularly for those with ongoing health conditions like diabetes or cancer. The economic burden of these costs can lead to increased healthcare spending and potential financial instability for households.
Recent policy efforts, such as the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, aim to address high drug prices by introducing limited federal price negotiation. Additionally, the market is seeing increased use of biosimilars, which can offer some cost savings, though overall medical cost trends remain steady.
The impact of high drug costs is not uniform across demographics. For instance, lower-income households and Hispanic adults are more likely to report taking cost-saving measures related to prescription medications. This highlights the need for targeted solutions to address these disparities.
Expanding resources like discount programs, using manufacturer copay cards, and discussing costs with healthcare professionals is an important step to improving medication access and affordability. In 2025, 75% of people used at least one nontraditional resource to afford their medications, up from 70% in 2024.
However, the situation has worsened in some areas. For instance, 42% of people made at least one change to how they managed their prescriptions due to cost, an increase from 34% in 2024. This includes delaying refills, stopping medications entirely, or rationing medications more frequently.
In conclusion, the high cost of prescription medications has become a pressing issue for many Americans, leading to difficult financial decisions and compromises on healthcare. Policy changes and increased awareness about cost-saving measures are crucial steps towards addressing this issue and ensuring that all Americans have access to the medications they need.
- Science has a crucial role in developing new treatments for chronic-diseases like chronic-kidney-disease and type-2-diabetes, but the high costs of these medications pose a significant challenge for many.
- Unfortunately, the affordability of cancer treatments is also a concern, adding to the financial burden faced by many Americans.
- Respiratory-conditions and digestive-health issues can also require expensive medications, putting a strain on household budgets.
- Eye-health, hearing, and skin-care are other aspects of health and wellness that can be influenced by medication costs.
- Fitness-and-exercise, another essential component of health and wellness, might be neglected due to financial constraints.
- Autoimmune-disorders and mental-health conditions often require ongoing therapies-and-treatments, which can contribute to a person's overall healthcare expenses.
- Proper nutrition is key to managing many health issues, but the cost of certain foods and supplements can add to the financial strain.
- Cardiovascular-health is another area where medications and treatments can be costly, with potentially serious consequences if not managed correctly.
- For those on Medicare, the high cost of prescription medications can be a particular concern, impacting their financial well-being and overall health.
- Managing personal-finance becomes increasingly important in light of these costs, with saving, debt-management, and budgeting becoming essential skills.
- Wealth-management and personal-finance advice can help individuals make the most of their resources and navigate the financial challenges posed by high prescription drug costs.
- Migration can also impact a person's access to affordable healthcare, with different countries having varying policies and costs.
- Education-and-self-development, including personal-growth, mindfulness, and skills-training, can help individuals adapt to these challenges and thrive in their careers.
- Productivity and career-development can be affected if an individual is not able to afford necessary medications, leading to missed work and lost income.
- Policy-and-legislation can play a critical role in addressing the high cost of prescription drugs, with policies like the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 aiming to bring down prices.
- Car-accidents, fires, and other accidents can lead to expensive medical bills, exacerbating the financial strain caused by high prescription drug costs.
- General-news coverage can help raise awareness about the financial challenges faced by Americans due to high prescription drug costs, calling for action from policymakers and healthcare providers.
- Crime-and-justice outcomes, such as incarceration, can be influenced by a person's ability to afford necessary medications, highlighting the importance of addressing this issue.
- Online-education can provide an affordable way for individuals to learn about their health conditions, treatments, and cost-saving measures.
- Job-search platforms and resources can also help individuals find employment that provides adequate healthcare benefits, alleviating some of the financial burden.
- Learning about goal-setting, lifelong-learning, and other aspects of personal development can help individuals adapt to the challenges posed by high prescription drug costs and build resilience.
- Skills-training can equip individuals with the abilities needed to thrive in a variety of fields, potentially opening up opportunities for better healthcare benefits and financial stability.
- In times of war-and-conflicts, access to affordable healthcare and medications can become even more critical, affecting physical health and mental well-being.
