What percent of people can't afford medication?
Asked by: Kraig McClure | Last update: June 6, 2025Score: 4.3/5 (70 votes)
What percentage of people can't afford medicine?
A poll from the Kaiser Family Foundation claims around 30% of adults report not taking their prescription meds because they're too pricey. One in five adults say they'd rather use over-the-counter drugs to avoid filling an expensive prescription, while some say they skip or take a smaller dose than they're prescribed.
What percent of people cannot afford healthcare?
Overall, 16.9% of Americans report at least 1 financial barrier. Among those with private insurance, the poor (28.4%), near poor (24.3%), and those with functional impairments (22.9%) were more likely to report avoiding care due to cost.
Are 70% of Americans on medication?
As many as 70% of Americans take a prescription medication. Pharmacists are an important part of ensuring they live healthy, hopeful lives though dispensing medications and providing information and education.
What percentage of people don't take their medication?
The treatment of chronic illnesses commonly includes the long-term use of pharmacotherapy. Although these medications are effective in combating disease, their full benefits are often not realized because approximately 50% of patients do not take their medications as prescribed.
Can't Afford Your Medication? There's Help.
What happens when people can't afford their medication?
The website Healthcare.gov has detailed information about how to get healthcare coverage you can afford. Another option is to go through pharmaceutical companies or pharmacy chains, many of which offer access to free or low-cost medicines depending on your eligibility.
What percentage of people can't take pills?
Whether the cause is emotional or physical, up to 40% of us have difficulty taking prescription and over-the-counter pills and tablets. Sometimes the problem is as simple as changing the form of your medication or the way you take it. Other times, the problem can hint at something more serious.
What is the #1 most prescribed drug?
The most prescribed drug in America is atorvastatin. The most common brand name for atorvastatin is Lipitor. What is atorvastatin used for? Atorvastatin is used to treat high cholesterol, which in turn helps prevent heart disease and symptoms of heart disease such as heart attack and stroke.
How many Americans struggle to pay for prescriptions?
GoodRx Research surveyed over 900 people who filled a prescription in 2023 about their healthcare expenses. Over 64% of Americans said that the cost of their prescription medications was a financial burden. Specifically: 30.9% reported a minor burden.
What percentage of 50 year olds are on medication?
Nearly nine in ten (89%) adults 65 and older report they are currently taking any prescription medicine. This compares to three-fourths of 50-64 year olds who report taking prescription drugs, half (51%) of 30-49 year olds, and four in ten (38%) 18-29 year olds.
What happens if you can't afford medical treatment in America?
Hospital charity care may be available based on your income and savings. In fact, according to Fox, some hospitals are required by state law to provide free or reduced services to low-income patients. As soon as your bills arrive, let your providers know if medical problems have affected your income and ability to pay.
What country has the best healthcare?
According to the 2024 Mirror, Mirror report, Australia, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom have the best healthcare systems, though the differences in overall performance among most countries are relatively small.
How many Americans struggle to pay medical bills?
20% patient responsibility of high medical bills can leave people unable to pay their bills. Approximately 14 million people (6% of adults) in the U.S. owe over $1,000 in medical debt and about 3 million people (1% of adults) owe medical debt of more than $10,000.”
What percentage of people in the US can't afford healthcare?
Fifty-one percent of working-age Americans struggle to afford their health care and about one of three (32%) are saddled with medical debt, according to findings from a Commonwealth Fund survey released today.
When patients can't afford medication?
Community health centers may offer prescription assistance to low-income patients. To locate a center in your area, contact the Health Resources and Services Administration at 888-ASK-HRSA (888-275-4772). Local Area Agencies on Aging may be able to assist patients who are 65 or older and can't afford their medications.
Why is American healthcare so expensive?
There are many possible reasons for that increase in healthcare prices: The introduction of new, innovative healthcare technology can lead to better, more expensive procedures and products. The complexity of the U.S. healthcare system can lead to administrative waste in the insurance and provider payment systems.
What percent of people can't afford prescription drugs?
Nearly four in ten (37%) of those taking four or more prescription drugs say they have difficulty affording their prescriptions, compared with one in five (18%) adults who currently take three or fewer prescription medications.
Why are medical bills so high?
Healthcare is often very expensive, especially for Americans. There are many factors that contribute to the high cost of healthcare in the country including wasteful systems, rising drug costs, medical professional salaries, profit-driven healthcare centers, types of medical practices, and health-related pricing.
How much does the average American pay for medication?
Compared with peer nations, the United States has had the highest per capita prescription drug spending for more than a decade, reaching an average of $1,432 per American in 2021.
What is the number 1 selling drug in the world?
Top drugs based on projected 2024 global sales
Keytruda is projected to be the top-ranked drug worldwide based on sales in 2024, with more than 27 billion U.S. dollars.
What 3 prescription drugs are most commonly abused?
Opioids (such as OxyContin and Vicodin), central nervous system depressants (such as Xanax and Valium), and stimulants (such as Concerta and Adderall) are the most commonly abused prescription drugs.
What is the 1st drug?
“Opioids are among the world's oldest known drugs. “ “ Use of the opium poppy for medical, recreational, and religious purposes can be traced to the 4th century B.C., when Hippocrates wrote about it for its analgesic properties, stating, "Divinum opus est sedare dolores."
How many pills does the average person take a day?
Data suggests that among those who take prescription medications, the average number of medications taken is four.
Is it normal for adults to not take pills?
“Pill dysphagia” or trouble swallowing pills is very common. People may have difficulty swallowing pills – but little to no trouble swallowing solid foods or liquids. Below are some helpful strategies to improve your ability to swallow pills.
When I eat, I feel like I can't swallow.?
Dysphagia can be a painful condition. In some cases, swallowing is impossible. Occasional difficulty swallowing, such as when you eat too fast or don't chew your food well enough, usually isn't cause for concern. But ongoing dysphagia can be a serious medical condition that needs treatment.