Patient Survey Reveals Barriers to Life-Saving Medications

Millions of Americans are missing out on critical treatments due to high prices, confusion and lack of awareness of lower-cost generic alternatives. Razormetrics’ 2025 State of Drug Access outlines the many challenges patients face accessing medications and staying on their prescribed regimens.

Among the key findings: 42% of respondents said they were prescribed a medication they could not afford in the past year. Confusion about pricing and the complexity of managing multiple prescriptions have also contributed to poor adherence, especially among patients taking five or more medications.

The report also examines the role of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) in driving up costs through opaque pricing structures. The three largest PBMs manage nearly 80% of prescription drug claims, raising concerns about their influence on affordability. While federal initiatives aim to lower drug prices, experts caution that proposed Medicaid budget cuts will worsen access challenges.

The 2025 State of Drug Access report delivers a clear message: Patients want affordable medications, trust their health care providers and are overwhelmed by complexity of the system.

Have you been overwhelmed or struggled with high prescription drug costs? Share your story with Voices for Affordable Health.