A 2025 GoodRx Research survey reveals that 67% of Americans who filled a prescription view prescription drug costs as a financial burden, up from 64% in 2024. The rising cost of medications is forcing many to make significant sacrifices, with 28% cutting back on food or clothing and 20% rationing doses to afford their treatments. This growing financial strain highlights the challenges Americans face in accessing essential medications.
The survey, conducted among over 1,000 prescription drug users, found that 35% reported prescription drug costs as a minor burden, 21% as moderate, 10% as significant, and 2% as catastrophic. Only 33% said costs were not a burden, down from 35.8% in 2024. “Prescription drugs remain one of many competing priorities in Americans’ budgets,” the report noted, with 38% expressing worry about affording medications in 2025, up from 27% in 2024.
The escalating prescription drug costs have led to drastic measures. In 2025, 46% of respondents reported actions impacting their lifestyle or finances, up from 37% in 2024. Common sacrifices included 29% reducing leisure spending, 16% dipping into savings, and 15% adjusting employment to cover costs. Financially, 25% took on credit card debt, and 6% secured loans. “These tradeoffs highlight the growing challenges many Americans face,” said GoodRx researcher Tori Marsh.
Prescription drug costs are altering how Americans manage their health. In 2025, 42% reported changing medication habits due to cost, up from 34% in 2024. This includes 20% rationing doses, 13% stopping medications entirely, and 16% delaying refills. These changes, particularly for those with chronic conditions, pose serious health risks. “Cost pressures are changing how Americans take their medications,” the survey stated, emphasizing the potential consequences of non-adherence.
To cope with prescription drug costs, 75% of respondents used nontraditional resources in 2025, up from 70% in 2024. Discount programs like GoodRx were used by 43%, while 40% relied on free clinician samples. Others shopped at different pharmacies or sought affordable alternatives. Riskier measures included 12.9% using over-the-counter substitutes, 9.5% taking others’ prescriptions, and 5.9% buying drugs abroad. Over a third (38%) used discount cards, underscoring the need for accessible pricing tools.
The financial burden of prescription drug costs aligns with broader healthcare challenges. The Peterson-KFF Health System Tracker noted in 2024 that nearly 1 in 12 Americans face medical debt, with medications a key factor. The Inflation Reduction Act’s 2025 cap on Medicare Part D out-of-pocket costs at $2,000 offers some relief, but broader reforms are needed to address prescription drug costs for all Americans.
