The survey titled Pharmacy Next: Health Consumer Medication Trends highlights concerns about pharmacy closures, rising prescription costs and increasing interest in technology to support medication management, according to a Nov. 19 news release from Wolters Kluwer Health.
As major pharmacy chains like CVS, Walgreens and Rite Aid announce the closure of approximately 2,600 stores, 59% of Americans are worried about obtaining medications close to home. Despite the growth of PBMs, 16% of those surveyed prefer using online pharmacies, signaling a demand for in-person care options.
Here are key survey findings:
- Thirty-two percent of respondents report that shortages have affected their ability to access prescriptions.
- Fifteen percent of Americans feel that the closure of retail health clinics like Walmart and Dollar General have limited access to convenient care.
- While 52% of participants say the cost of their prescriptions has increased in the last few years, this is down from 64% in 2023. Forty-four percent of Americans reported turning to coupon sites for prescriptions such as GoodRx.
- The survey also found that 32% of respondents said drug shortages have impacted their ability to access medications.
