Survey: 75% Surprised by Med Costs, Few Speak to Providers

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Despite frustration and difficulty with prescription costs, most Americans are hesitant to start conversations that could lead to solutions, according to a new study.

In a survey of 2,000 American adults, results indicate 75% of respondents admitted to being surprised by the cost of a medication, but 74% of respondents have never discussed financial challenges with their doctor or pharmacist.

“Our survey reveals an opportunity to improve medication affordability through better patient-pharmacist dialogue," said Ben Heiser, PharmD, MBA, CSP, LSSGB, general manager of specialty pharmacy at Lumicera Health Services. “When patients don’t bring up cost concerns, they miss access to assistance programs, generic alternatives and other resources pharmacists can connect them with. This silence can affect both affordability and medication adherence.”

Few Americans can claim to be unimpacted by the rising costs of health care in the U.S., particularly in comparison with other nations. According to the Center for American Progress, American prescription drug spending totaled $378 billion in 2021, with the average person spending $1,473 per year.

Conducted by Lumicera Health Services, a leading specialty pharmacy solutions provider owned by SSM Health and Costco Wholesale Corporation, via an online service called Pollfish on February 19, 2025, the survey included 2,000 U.S. adults aged 18 and older, with 57% of the respondents being women.

According to the survey, most people feel comfortable talking to their pharmacist, but important conversations about medications often aren’t happening. In total, 89% of people said they feel comfortable asking their pharmacist questions and 75% appreciate having a pharmacist who knows them personally. Despite this, more than half rarely ask about their medications and 21% reported never asking for any information at all.

Respondents cited cost as a common source of frustration, but many people don’t take steps to research their options. Three out of four respondents said they’ve been surprised by the price of a prescription, but 56% don’t search for cost-saving alternatives and 54% have never compared prices between major retailers like Walmart, Costco or Walgreens.

Further results indicated approximately one-third of people in the survey admitted to having had trouble paying for prescriptions. Still, 74% said they’ve never brought up financial concerns with a pharmacist or doctor. Even more concerning, some people are skipping their medications entirely, with approximately 30% reporting they did not to pick up a prescription because of the cost, the distance to the pharmacy or long wait times.

The survey also shed light on the lack of awareness of specialty pharmacies, which is increasing but still underutilized. Data indicated 75% of people said they understand how specialty pharmacies differ from retail or mail-order pharmacies and 59% could name a specialty drug or condition, but only 38% had ever filled a prescription through one.

“The results of this survey demonstrate why Lumicera's approach to specialty pharmacy is so impactful,” Heiser added. “By actively engaging with patients and proactively addressing both clinical and financial concerns, we help people navigate complex therapies successfully. Our cost-plus model creates transparency that builds trust, and our high-touch care model ensures patients receive the support they need to stay on therapy.”