Skyrocketing drug prices force Americans to skip life-saving medications

Rising prescription drug costs in the US have left many struggling to afford essential medications. A 2016 report by the Kaiser Family Foundation found that roughly one in four Americans faced difficulties paying for their prescriptions. Meanwhile, the gap between brand-name and generic drug prices has widened significantly in recent years. Between 2008 and 2016, the list prices for widely used brand-name drugs surged by 208%. Despite this, generic drug prices dropped by about 74% over the same period. In 2015 alone, overall prescription drug prices climbed by 8%, driven by new medications, higher costs for existing ones, and fewer patents expiring.

The financial burden has forced many to make tough choices. On average, Americans spent $142 per person on prescription drugs in 2015. Those with chronic conditions often faced the highest out-of-pocket costs, particularly for diabetes medications, followed by drugs for pain, high cholesterol, and ADHD. Specialty drugs—such as those for inflammatory diseases, cancer, multiple sclerosis, and HIV—also carried steep price tags. As costs continue to rise, more people are skipping doses or abandoning treatments entirely. The result is a growing number of individuals forced to prioritise basic necessities over their health.

The sharp increase in drug prices has created a financial strain for millions. With brand-name medications becoming less affordable, many patients now face the risk of worsening health due to untreated conditions. The trend highlights the widening divide between accessible generic drugs and the rising costs of essential treatments.