Increasing numbers of Americans find it difficult to cover their medication costs
In a concerning trend, more Americans are finding it difficult to afford their prescription medications, with the number of individuals taking action to manage their costs increasing significantly in 2025. According to a recent survey by GoodRx Research, 46% of Americans reported making at least one change to how they manage their prescriptions due to cost, up from 37% in 2024.
One of the primary reasons for this rise is the escalating cost of prescription drugs in the U.S., which is often two to three times higher than in other developed countries such as Germany, Canada, and the UK. High-price specialty drugs, which contribute substantially to the overall cost rise, are making these medications inaccessible for many.
Despite efforts to reduce costs, such as the Most-Favored Nation (MFN) pricing model aimed at aligning U.S. drug prices with those in other countries, the implementation and effects are still evolving. As a result, Americans are adopting creative strategies to afford their medications.
Many are turning to discount programs and coupons, with 38% of respondents using a prescription discount card or coupon in 2025, and 43% using discount programs. Some individuals are also receiving free samples from their clinicians, shopping around at different pharmacies, or seeking alternative medications such as over-the-counter options or supplements.
Manufacturer copay cards and low-income subsidy programs are also being utilised to mitigate costs, while a smaller percentage are buying medications from other countries, which can be riskier.
Unfortunately, these strategies highlight the growing need for more affordable and accessible prescription drug options in the U.S. Many Americans are still making sacrifices to pay for their prescriptions, with 28% reporting reduced spending on food or clothing, and 13% stopping a medication entirely in 2025.
In 2025, 75% of people used at least one nontraditional resource to afford their medications, up from 70% in 2024. Furthermore, 6% of people took out a loan to help pay for medications, up from 4% in 2024.
These findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to address the rising cost of prescription drugs and ensure that all Americans have access to the medications they need without having to resort to creative and sometimes risky workarounds.
- Science has a critical role in identifying and developing more affordable prescription medications.
- Chronic medical-conditions, such as chronic kidney disease and COPD, often require long-term use of prescription drugs.
- Type-2 diabetes, a common chronic disease, is managed with medication, along with diet and exercise.
- Cancer treatments involve a variety of therapies and medications, many of which are expensive.
- Respiratory-conditions, like COPD and asthma, require medicines to alleviate symptoms.
- Digestive-health issues may also necessitate prescription drugs for relief.
- Eye-health can be maintained with appropriate medications, but some can be costly.
- Hearing aids, prescribed for hearing loss, are often not covered by insurance, making them a financial burden.
- Health-and-wellness depends on the availability of medications at an affordable price.
- Fitness-and-exercise routines can be supportive, but for some, chronic diseases may need medication to complement these efforts.
- Alzheimer's disease, a neurological disorder, is managed with medication to slow progression.
- Autoimmune-disorders, such as psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis, require medication for symptom Management.
- Mental-health medications can provide relief for conditions like depression and anxiety.
- Skin-care products, including those for skin-conditions like psoriasis, can be expensive and sometimes replaced with supplements.
- Therapies-and-treatments for chronic diseases often include prescription drugs.
- Nutrition plays a vital role in managing health, and some medications may be prescribed to aid nutrient absorption.
- Multiple-sclerosis and migraine treatments frequently involve prescription medications.
- Cardiovascular-health can be improved with medications to control blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
- Wealth-management is important for managing the financial implications of high prescription costs.
- Personal-finance is impacted, with some individuals managing debt and putting savings aside to afford medications.
- Debt-management is crucial for those struggling with the financial burden of prescription costs.
- Budgeting is essential for individuals seeking to allocate resources effectively while accounting for prescription costs.
- Education-and-self-development, including online learning, job-search resources, and career-development programs, can help individuals navigate financial challenges and secure stable income for better health-and-wellness management.
