KFF: 82% of Adults Say Prescription Drug Costs are Unreasonable

Affordability of prescription drugs is a key issue for Americans, according to a survey by KFF. This is especially true for those who are taking four or more prescriptions; 37% of these respondents say they have difficulty affording their prescriptions, compared with 18% who currently take three or fewer prescription medications. Those with household incomes of than the $40,000 are more likely to report difficulty affording medications.

Additionally, 31% adults report not taking their medicines as prescribed at some point in the past year because of the cost. This includes 21% who report they have not filled a prescription or took an over-the counter drug instead, and 12% who say they have cut pills in half or skipped a dose because of the cost. (See Figure below.)

Among those surveyed by KFF, 73% support regulations that would address drug prices, including limiting the price of prescription drugs. Among Democrats, 82% support limiting prices; among Republicans, 67% support limiting prices.