Survey Shows U.S. Patients Struggle with Prescription Costs That Limit Treatment Access, While Demand Grows for Digital Tools to Unlock Price Transparency

New Harris Poll survey reveals patients face prescription-filling challenges, trust providers for cost information, and want digital tools for transparency

ARLINGTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A new national survey of 1,007 U.S. adults who have interacted with the US healthcare system in the past 12 months, conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of Surescripts®, finds that more than half of patients experience challenges when filling prescriptions and uncertainty about who to trust for prescription medication information or costs, leading one in four patients to abandon a prescription because it was too expensive.

Despite these barriers, 77% of patients say they would likely use digital prescription price comparison tools – especially if they were recommended by their provider, reinforcing the critical role of healthcare providers in supporting patient access to affordable, timely care.

Report: Patients want a more informed and empowering healthcare experience

“With more patients than ever relying on expensive medications to treat chronic conditions, the need for patients to have accurate prescription cost information at the point of prescribing has never been greater,” said Frank Harvey, President and Chief Executive Officer for Surescripts. “The survey reinforces the essential role healthcare providers play in empowering patients with digital tools that support them to make confident and timely decisions about their care, elevating the overall care experience.”

Key Findings

• 56% of patients report challenges filling prescriptions
• 48% are unsure who to trust for accurate prescription medication and pricing information
• Only 20% feel empowered to manage their medications
• 77% are likely to use digital prescription price comparison tools
• 84% see added value in tools being recommended or managed by their provider

Patients Want Prescription Cost Transparency and Digital Support

Nearly half of patients (48%) say they don’t know where to turn for reliable prescription cost information. While uncertainty persists, most patients trust their healthcare providers for guidance and want tools that make cost information clear and actionable.

• 36% say clearer cost information would make managing medications easier
• 26% discuss prescription costs with their provider at half or more of their visits
• Just over half (54%) feel their needs are fully met in those conversations

Access Barriers Continue to Disrupt Treatment Adherence

More than half (56%) of patients report delays and disruptions when filling prescriptions. Among those who experienced delays, those included:

• 37% due to prescriptions taking a long time to fill
• 31% due to back-and-forth between their health plan, provider or pharmacy
• 26% due to prior authorization delays or denials

Among those experiencing prior authorization delays, nearly half (48%) report going without medication for some time.

Technology Can Close Care Gaps

Surescripts recently launched Script Corner™, a mobile-friendly, web application that empowers patients with prescription price transparency. Script Corner is the only solution that will give patients instant visibility into the cost of their prescription at their chosen pharmacy, including their insurance copay price, GoodRx discounted cash price, as well as other available savings programs, allowing them to choose the most affordable path and helping them avoid costly surprises when they pick up their prescription.

About the Survey

The Harris Poll, on behalf of Surescripts, conducted an online survey (fielded November 21-December 1, 2025) of 1,007 U.S. adults ages 18+ who have interacted with the healthcare system in some capacity during the last 12 months. For complete research method, including weighting variables and credible intervals, please contact Surescripts.

About Surescripts

Our purpose is to serve the nation through simpler, trusted health intelligence sharing, in order to increase patient safety, lower costs and ensure quality care. At Surescripts, we bring healthcare together to inform and accelerate decisions, helping keep patient care on track. With the Surescripts Network Alliance®, we’re empowering the healthcare ecosystem with intelligence and interoperability for smarter, faster prescribing, prior authorization, treatment, care management and more. Visit us at surescripts.com and follow us on LinkedIn.