Nearly Half of Americans Say They've Been Prescribed a Drug They Can't Afford, New Report Finds

2025 State of Drug Access report from RazorMetrics reveals new insights into consumer feelings about pharmacy access

AUSTIN, Texas, April 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- RazorMetrics, a leading innovator in pharmacy technology solutions, today released its 2025 State of Drug Access report, revealing that nearly 42% of Americans were prescribed a medication they couldn't afford in the past year. The report, based on a nationally representative survey of U.S. adults, serves as a comprehensive overview of how Americans experience prescription costs, what drives nonadherence, and the barriers to accessing prescriptions. The findings come at a time when inflation, surging demand for GLP-1 medications, and growing frustration with patient-driven apps have made drug affordability a defining issue for most Americans.

"Prescription affordability isn't just a problem for patients. It's becoming a public crisis," said Siva Mohan, MD, president and chief medical officer at RazorMetrics. "This year's data makes it clear that more people are under financial strain to the extent that it is impacting their access to prescriptions and thus compromising their health. They are looking to their physicians—not apps or insurance portals—for real solutions."

Key findings from the national consumer survey include:

• 41.8% of members were prescribed a drug they couldn't afford in the last 12 months.
• 84% reported sticker shock under $250, 41% of whom said prices under $100 are unaffordable.
• 11.4% stopped taking a prescribed medication entirely due to cost.
• 47.2% called their doctor first when faced with high drug prices—far more than those who contact insurers or search for coupons.
• 53.1% said they find it confusing to understand what they'll actually pay for a medication.
• Only 18.3% of Americans know what a biosimilar is—despite growing availability and cost-saving potential.

The 2025 State of Drug Access report also highlights consumer frustration in having to find affordable medication on their own. Nearly half of respondents say they find member-driven healthcare apps and discount platforms hard to navigate, with many describing the process as overwhelming or inconsistent.

Despite those frustrations, members overwhelmingly accept lower-cost alternatives when they come from a trusted source. Ninety percent of respondents said they would be happy if their doctor switched them to a more affordable medication, and 85.5% said they want prescribers to default to the lowest-cost option when clinically appropriate.

"Physicians aren't just caregivers. They're cost navigators," said Ryan Czado, chief pharmacy officer at RazorMetrics. "The data shows patients want their doctor to take the lead on affordability, but prescribers need tools that surface savings without disrupting workflows. That's where smart automation can close the gap."

The findings arrive as demand for GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy continues to climb, raising concerns about long-term cost sustainability. With drug affordability emerging as a top healthcare concern in 2025, RazorMetrics' report highlights where breakdowns occur and offers a clear path for prescribers and plan sponsors to improve affordability and access.

To access the full 2025 State of Drug Access report or learn more about RazorMetrics' cost-containment solutions, click here.

About RazorMetrics
RazorMetrics creates cutting-edge pharmacy cost containment solutions to quickly and easily reduce drug costs. Its proprietary technology automatically initiates cost-saving opportunities through medication switching, deprescription, deduplication, and more–all while adapting to fit client's plan, preferences, and formulary. RazorMetrics conveniently plugs into prescriber's existing workflow, improving healthcare decisions while seamlessly reducing medication costs for members and plan sponsors. Based in Austin, TX, RazorMetrics supports self-funded employers, health plans, PBMs, and organizations to bring clarity, efficiency, and more value to their pharmacy benefits. Learn more at razormetrics.com.

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SOURCE RazorMetrics