Survey Found Many Adults Delayed Prescriptions Over Cost
A survey conducted in August 2026 revealed that significant uncertainty regarding pricing affects medication adherence.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Healthcare
Live Poll
Would you feel comfortable relying on manufacturer-provided assistance programs to help cover your prescription costs?
Data from an August 2026 survey found that 35% of U.S. adults have delayed or skipped prescriptions due to unknown costs. Nearly half of respondents reported that they do not consistently know the price of their medications before arriving at the pharmacy.
Why it matters
Patients lack visibility into coverage and pricing decisions, which limits their ability to manage healthcare spending effectively. This widespread uncertainty forces many consumers to take cost-containment measures or forgo treatment entirely.
Sixty-two percent of survey respondents identified health insurance as the primary factor influencing their drug costs. Additionally, 76% of those surveyed stated they were unfamiliar with the function of pharmacy benefit managers.
The players
Model N
Headquartered in Redwood City, California, this organization provides revenue management solutions for life sciences and high-tech companies.
The details
Respondents actively manage their costs by using price-comparison apps, contacting insurance providers, or checking directly with pharmacies. Many patients remain unaware of manufacturer assistance programs, with 39% of respondents not knowing they exist.
Timeline
Model N conducted the survey of 1,000 U.S. adults in August 2026.
Market Landscape
The findings mirror a broader trend of consumer difficulty in navigating complex pharmaceutical supply chains. This confusion highlights the competitive pressure on companies to improve price transparency as patients increasingly seek alternatives to traditional pharmacy billing.
Consumers can mitigate cost surprises by actively researching manufacturer assistance programs, which currently remain underutilized by 65% of the surveyed group. Asking pharmacists about lower-cost medication alternatives remains a primary way for shoppers to manage their household budgets.
The takeaway
Patients who regularly contact their insurance providers or use comparison tools gain greater control over their out-of-pocket expenses. Checking for manufacturer assistance programs can provide significant relief for those facing high costs for necessary prescriptions.
Further reading
Learn more about price transparency and access in the Healthcare section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Manila times.
Live Poll
Would you feel comfortable relying on manufacturer-provided assistance programs to help cover your prescription costs?
