Escalating Prescription Costs Leave Increasing Numbers of Americans in Financial Strain
In a recent survey by GoodRx, it has been revealed that the cost of prescription medications is causing significant financial strain and lifestyle changes for many Americans.
The survey, conducted in 2025, indicates that a staggering 67% of Americans find prescription costs burdensome[2][5]. This financial burden has led to various adjustments, such as cutting back on essentials like food and clothing, to afford medications.
One of the most common responses from the surveyed individuals was making at least one change to how they manage their prescriptions[2][5]. In 2025, 42% of respondents reported making such changes, up from 34% in 2024. These changes include delaying refills, rationing medications, and stopping medication entirely due to cost.
Delaying refills was a strategy adopted by 16% of respondents, slightly down from 17% in previous years. Rationing medications was a worrying trend that saw a 5% increase, with 20% of respondents admitting to rationing their medications[2]. The most alarming increase was in the number of people who stopped taking a medication entirely due to cost, with 13% doing so, up from the previous 8%[2].
In an effort to find more affordable options, many Americans are turning to non-traditional resources. In 2025, 75% of respondents used at least one such resource[2]. These resources include discount programs, free samples, and shopping around at different pharmacies. Additionally, 38% of Americans used a prescription discount card or coupon, highlighting the growing reliance on tools like GoodRx[2].
However, these cost-saving measures come with potential health risks. The survey found that 12.9% of people replaced prescriptions with over-the-counter medications or supplements in 2025[2]. Furthermore, 9.5% of people used medications prescribed to someone else, and 5.9% purchased medications from another country[2].
The financial strain has led some individuals to engage in risky behaviors that could potentially compromise their health. The survey underscores the significant challenges Americans face in affording prescription medications, leading to both financial strain and potential health risks.
The survey also found that more than half (57%) of people surveyed in 2025 worried about affording at least one healthcare or essential cost in the past year[2]. Additionally, 42% of people reported taking some kind of financial action due to healthcare costs, up from 39% in 2024[2].
In conclusion, the GoodRx Research survey paints a worrying picture of the financial and health challenges faced by Americans in affording prescription medications. It is clear that more needs to be done to address this issue and ensure that essential medication is affordable and accessible to all.
[1] GoodRx Research (2025). Prescription Costs and American Finances. Retrieved from https://www.goodrx.com/research/prescription-costs-and-american-finances [2] GoodRx Research (2025). Prescription Costs and Lifestyle Changes. Retrieved from https://www.goodrx.com/research/prescription-costs-and-lifestyle-changes [3] GoodRx Research (2025). Prescription Costs and Health Risks. Retrieved from https://www.goodrx.com/research/prescription-costs-and-health-risks [4] GoodRx Research (2025). Prescription Costs and Financial Sacrifices. Retrieved from https://www.goodrx.com/research/prescription-costs-and-financial-sacrifices [5] GoodRx Research (2025). Prescription Costs and Healthcare Costs. Retrieved from https://www.goodrx.com/research/prescription-costs-and-healthcare-costs
- The survey unveils that science and medical advancements in prescription medications have been beneficial, yet the high costs are causing significant financial strain and lifestyle changes for a majority of Americans.
- In 2025, 67% of Americans find prescription costs burdensome, leading to adjustments like cutting back on essentials such as food and clothing.
- Approximately 42% of survey respondents in 2025 admitted to making changes in their prescription management due to rising costs, a 8% increase from 2024.
- Delaying refills was a strategy adopted by 16% of respondents, down slightly from 17% in previous years, while rationing medications saw a 5% increase, with 20% of respondents admitting to rationing.
- The most alarming increase was in the number of people who stopped taking a medication entirely due to cost, with 13% doing so, up from the previous 8%.
- In an attempt to find more affordable options, many Americans are turning to non-traditional resources such as discount programs, free samples, and shopping around at different pharmacies.
- Nearly three-quarters (75%) of surveyed individuals in 2025 used at least one such resource, with 38% using a prescription discount card or coupon.
- However, these cost-saving measures come with potential health risks, as the survey found that 12.9% of people replaced prescriptions with over-the-counter medications or supplements in 2025.
- Furthermore, 9.5% of people used medications prescribed to someone else, and 5.9% purchased medications from another country in 2025.
- The financial strain has led to risky behaviors, with the survey highlighting the significant challenges Americans face in affording prescription medications, leading to financial strain and potential health risks.
- Over half (57%) of the people surveyed in 2025 worried about affording at least one healthcare or essential cost, and 42% reported taking some kind of financial action due to healthcare costs.
- The survey further highlights the need for workplace wellness programs, chronic disease management, and mental health support initiatives to address these challenges.
- Fitness and exercise, nutrition, skin care, and eye-health strategies become essential components of overall health management for Americans struggling with financial burdens and potential health risks.
- Health-and-wellness resources, such as nutrition information, mental health therapies and treatments, and personal finance tools for saving, financial literacy, debt management, and budgeting are vital for individuals seeking support.
- As Americans navigate aging, men's health, women's health, parenting, and weight management in addition to prescription medication costs, comprehensive care must be accessible and affordable for all.
- The survey calls for policymakers, healthcare providers, and pharmaceutical companies to work together to find solutions to address the rising costs of prescription medications and mitigate the impact on American families' health and financial well-being.
