Aug 21, 2011
Updated: Jan 17, 2020
Consumer Reports surveyed over 2,000 men and women over the course of three years and found that 49% of Americans currently take a prescription drug. Among those currently taking a prescription drug, the average number they regularly take is 4.5 medicines, and 16% take seven or more. Monthly out-of-pocket spending was $59 for those taking a prescription drug, with 12% spending more than $100 a month.
The survey concluded that “Consumers continue to economize on healthcare by cutting corners in ways that may be dangerous.” In the past year, nearly half (48%) took some action to reduce costs and 28% failed to comply with prescriptions. Most commonly, these patients skipped filling a prescription, took an expired medication, skipped a scheduled dosage, or cut prescribed pills in half (without approval from their doctor).
Fortunately, doctors are hearing from their patients. 60% of consumers who take medicines have addressed cost with their doctor or economized via lifestyle changes. 36% of those taking medicine spoke to their physician about switching precriptions in order to save money, including 54% of consumers who spent in excess of $50 per month.
The good news is that, “Virtually all consumers (98%) are aware of prescription drugs, and among those who regularly take a medicine, generics account for three-quarters of their prescriptions.”
However, only half (54%) of consumers said that their doctor “always” or “usually” recommends generic substitutes and, overwhelmingly, consumers do not learn what a new prescription will cost until they pick it up at the pharmacy (64%). Indeed, almost no one (5%) found about about cost during the doctor visit, when the script actually was written.
Download the full report here:
“Best Buy Drugs Prescription Drug Tracking Poll 3,” Consumer Reports, August 10, 2011