Struggling Affordability of Prescription Medications Affecting Growing Number of Americans
In a recent survey conducted by GoodRx Research, it has been revealed that the cost of prescription medications in the United States is causing a significant financial burden for many Americans and is leading to sacrifices in their daily lives.
The survey found that in 2025, 67% of Americans who filled a prescription described the cost as a burden, a significant increase from 27% in 2024. As a result, more people are making adjustments to their medication management, such as delaying refills, rationing medications, or stopping them entirely.
One of the most concerning findings is that 20% of people rationed their medications in 2025, up from 15% in 2024, and 13% of people stopped taking a medication entirely, up from 8% in the previous year. These actions can have serious consequences for people's health and well-being.
The survey also found that 46% of Americans made lifestyle sacrifices to pay for prescriptions, including reducing spending on basic necessities like food and clothing. Specifically, 29% cut back on leisure activities, and 28% reduced spending on essential items like food or clothing.
In an effort to manage their medication expenses, many Americans are turning to discount programs, using manufacturer copay cards, and talking to their healthcare professional about the cost of care. Discount programs were the most common tool used in 2025, with 43% of respondents using them.
Some individuals have also taken riskier measures, such as replacing prescriptions with over-the-counter medications or supplements (12.9% in 2025), or purchasing medications from other countries (5.9% in 2025). These actions can be dangerous and are not recommended without the advice of a healthcare professional.
The survey also found that more than half (57%) of people worried about affording at least one healthcare or essential cost in the past year. In addition, 42% of Americans reported taking some kind of financial action due to healthcare costs, up from 39% in 2024.
The cost of prescription medications is a major contributor to medical debt in the U.S., with almost 1 in 12 Americans having medical debt in 2024. The survey found that 25% of people took on credit card debt to cover healthcare expenses in 2025, up from 22% in 2024. Some people even went as far as to take out a loan to cover healthcare expenses, with 6% of people doing so in 2025, up from 4% in 2024.
In conclusion, the survey findings highlight the significant impact that prescription drug costs are having on Americans' financial burdens and lifestyle choices. It is clear that more needs to be done to make medications more affordable and accessible to all.
- Science should focus on developing more cost-effective treatments for chronic diseases like chronic kidney disease, COPD, type-2 diabetes, and cancer to relieve the financial strain in the workplace wellness of Americans.
- The rising cost of prescription medications is not only affecting health and well-being but also contributing to chronic financial issues, such as debt management, saving, and budgeting.
- Educational programs on financial management and wealth management could be beneficial for individuals struggling to afford medications, as part of a broader approach to health and wellness.
- The survey revealed that many people with medical conditions, such as cardiovascular health, autoimmune disorders, mental health, and skin conditions, are forced to ration medications due to the costs, which can have detrimental effects on their health.
- Therapies and treatments for conditions like chronic kidney disease, eye health, hearing, and respiratory conditions may become less accessible if the cost of their prescriptions continues to rise.
- To address these issues and improve health and wellness, some people are exploring alternative solutions, like CBD, which may have potential benefits for certain medical conditions but require further scientific study.
- Attending to mental health and personal growth is crucial, as mental health issues often arise from financial stress and can affect productivity, career development, and overall quality of life.
- Individuals who have chosen to sacrifice health-and-wellness-related expenses, such as fitness-and-exercise equipment, nutrition, and dental care, may experience negative long-term effects on their cardiovascular health, digestive health, and skin conditions.
- In cases of eye health issues or chronic medical conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, it is crucial to regularly consult with healthcare professionals to ensure proper medication management and treatment options.
- The escalating cost of medicare premiums and increased out-of-pocket expenses for prescription medications can add to the financial burden, making it even more challenging for senior citizens to maintain a healthy lifestyle and cover their essential needs.
- It is important to remember that skipping or delaying treatments for chronic diseases or essential care can lead to worsening conditions, ultimately costing more in the long run.
- Lower-cost prescription alternatives, such as generics and biosimilars, could help reduce overall medication expenses and provide better access to healthcare for a broader range of individuals.
- Online education resources on self-development, self-care, and mindfulness can help individuals manage their financial stress and make informed decisions about their health and well-being.
- When faced with expensive medical bills, it is crucial to consider long-term financial implications, such as taking on debt, reducing savings, or neglecting other essential expenses like job search-related costs or learning materials for education and self-development.
- As the cost of living continues to rise, addressing financial issues and taking steps towards lifelong learning, goal-setting, and skills-training can help individuals improve their financial stability and overall well-being.
- Making lifestyle changes, like adopting a healthy diet, regular exercise, and stress management techniques, can contribute to better health and a more balanced personal finance situation.
- Job search tactics, such as networking, volunteering, and participating in online job forums, might help job-seekers reduce their reliance on expensive healthcare plans with high prescription medication costs.
- The ever-growing stress of managing medical costs and debt can negatively impact mental health and overall productivity, causing setbacks in job-related objectives and personal growth aspirations.
- Prioritizing healthcare expenses and exploring available financial assistance programs and resources can help individuals maintain a stable budget and make the necessary investments in their health and well-being.
- By advocating for policies and reforms that promote affordability and accessibility in the healthcare and prescription medication sectors, we can make a significant difference in protecting Americans' health, financial well-being, and overall quality of life.
