Prescription drug costs.Cagkan Sayin/Adobe Stock
Americans are concerned about continued convenient access to affordable medications as prices increase and more drugstore and retail clinic closures are announced. At the same time, many are more open to new technologies to support their medication needs.
“Consumers continue to adjust to changes in where and from whom they get care,” said Dr. Peter Bonis, chief medical officer for Wolters Kluwer Health. “With the attrition of chain- and community-based pharmacies, our survey suggests that changes in where consumers fill prescriptions can be added to the list.”
Recommended For You
The company’s latest Pharmacy Next: Health Consumer Medication Trends survey found that nearly 6 in 10 Americans worry about obtaining medications close to home. Although internet mail-order pharmacies and pharmacy benefit managers can serve as alternatives to brick-and-mortar pharmacies, only 16% of those surveyed prefer using online pharmacies. Among the other survey findings:
- One-third of respondents say shortages have affected their ability to access prescriptions.
- Fifteen percent of believe the closures of retail health clinics at discount stores such as Walmart and Dollar General have limited their access to convenient care.
- Despite 52% of respondents saying the cost of their prescriptions has increased in the past few years, this represents a decline compared to 2023, when nearly two-thirds of consumers reported their medication prices had increased in the previous year.
- To help manage these costs, 44% report turning to prescription coupon sites such as GoodRx, suggesting consumers are more actively seeking ways to manage medication costs.
With more than one-third of adults taking three or more prescriptions, managing medications has become more complex. Americans are open to trying new technology solutions to make it easier to stay on top of medication doses, schedules and information. Three out of four are willing to use QR codes or links to online information as an alternative to multiple-page medication information printouts, However, less than half are receptive to using AI chatbots, and only two in five are open to “drugs by drone.”
The rise of pharmacy deserts adds complexity for consumers taking multiple medications. Three-fourths of respondents rely on daily prescriptions. Of that group, 41% reported taking one to two medications; 21% said they take between three and five medicines; and 13% currently take more than five prescription medications. Nearly 3 in 5 would find medication apps helpful for dosing and adherence support; 58% are open to smart pill organizers or dispensers that sort and prepare pills for easy dispensing at scheduled times; and seven in 19 say mobile alerts or text reminders would be helpful.
© 2025 ALM Global, LLC, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to [email protected]. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.
Alan Goforth
Alan Goforth is a freelance writer in suburban Kansas City. In addition to freelancing for several publications, he has written a dozen books about sports and other topics.
