Prescription drugs are one of many competing expenses for most Americans. For many, medication costs now rank higher than concerns about housing, food and transportation.

In 2025, nearly 4 in 10 people said they worried about being able to afford their medications, up significantly from 27% in 2024. More than half worried about affording at least one health care or essential cost in the past year.

Related: Health care costs soar to $1,425 out-of-pocket, vary wildly by state

As a result, 37% of Americans reported taking action last year that could negatively affect their lifestyle or personal finances – and the pinch is getting worse. In 2025, that number went up to 46%, with lifestyle sacrifices common:

• Three in 10 cut spending on leisure activities (up from 23% in 2024).
• Twenty-eight percent reduced spending on food or clothing (a sharp increase from 16% in 2024).
• Sixteen percent dipped into savings to cover the cost of treatment.
• Nine percent sold personal belongings to help pay for medications.
• Fifteen percent adjusted their or a family member’s employment, either by working more hours or taking on an additional job.

In addition to lifestyle changes, many consumers took on direct financial burdens to cover health care costs. One quarter added credit card debt; 18% borrowed money from friends or family; and 6% took out a loan. The cost squeeze may be affecting consumers’ health as well as their pocketbook. In 2024, 34% of respondents reported making at least one change to how they managed their prescriptions because of cost. By 2025, that number went up to 42%. This includes 16% who delayed refills; 20% who rationed their medications; and 13% who stopped taking a medication entirely.

“Prescription medications remain a financial burden for most Americans,” the report concluded. “Almost 1 in 12 Americans has medical debt, with the cost of prescription medications contributing to the problem. In the face of unaffordable medications, many Americans are taking their health care into their own hands. They are seeking out discount programs, using manufacturer copay cards and talking to their health care professional about the cost of care. Expanding these resources is an important first step to improving medication access and affordability.”