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Americans Are Still Struggling with Drug Costs

Axios

More than 2 out of 5 Americans say paying for their prescription drugs in the past year was difficult, even though most have health insurance, according to a new survey from GoodRx, a consumer site that compares drug costs.

Why it matters: Drug prices are a top public concern because many people take medications every day and see the toll on their wallets. The survey shows people aren't really feeling any relief amid the political promises to address the issue.

By the numbers: The GoodRx survey, which mirrors other public tracking polls, found:

  • A third of people have skipped filling a prescription in the last year due to the cost. Rising coinsurance rates and deductibles often are the culprits.
  • Almost 20% of Americans said they've had to use money from their savings to pay for their drugs. (Separately, another 12% said they didn't have any savings to draw from.)
  • The survey got responses from more than 1,000 people, 70% of whom take at least one medication.

Article written by Bob Herman, Axios. Data: Google Survey conducted by GoodRx between Oct. 29 - Nov. 2, 2018, among 1,060 Americans. Total margin of error is ±2.5 percentage points; Poll methodology.

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