More Americans Are Taking 4+ Prescriptions Daily

New data from CivicScience finds 68% of American adults reported taking at least one prescription medication daily in 2024. That’s up slightly from 67% in 2023.

The study also finds those who are age 55 and older are most likely to report taking at least one prescription or more, while those who are 18-24 were the least likely to take any prescription medication.

Consumers were also more likely to fill those prescriptions at a local pharmacy, vs. filling online.

Aside from an interesting factoid that might impress folks at the next dinner party, the data is important because rising use also tracks rising Rx costs. According to CivicScience, Rx prices rose 39% on average between 2014 and 2024.

Those higher costs are borne by government-assisted health care plans, such as Medicare and Medicaid, as well as private-plans. In other words, those costs are borne by us all.

The data shows 28% of Americans with prescribed medications have had to skip a dose or stop altogether due to the costs. That percentage climbed to 33% among those who take three or more prescriptions daily.

Finally, the study found Americans taking at least three prescriptions daily have changed their spending and eating habits to make up for higher costs. They’re spending less on clothes and restaurants while indulging on cheaper snack foods.

What about you? Are your Rx costs rising? How is that affecting your spending habits? Share your story with Voices for Affordable Health.

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