Why Prescription Drugs Still Feel Unaffordable — and What That Means for Patients
(What the Latest KFF Poll Reveals)
Prescription drug costs continue to be one of the biggest stressors for patients—and the data confirms what many of us are seeing every day in clinic.
A recent report from the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) highlights a growing concern across the country: even as new policies and programs aim to reduce costs, many Americans still feel uncertain, worried, and burdened.
The Reality: Most Americans Are Worried About Medication Costs
According to the latest KFF polling:
- 59% of Americans are worried about affording prescription drugs
- 22% say they are “very worried”
- This is the highest level of concern since 2018
This isn’t just a statistic—it’s the single mom choosing between groceries and insulin…
The working dad stretching medications to make them last…
The older adult skipping doses because the refill is too expensive.
At Aslan Health, we see this every week.
Even With New Policies, Confidence Is Mixed
There has been renewed national focus on lowering drug prices, including initiatives like TrumpRx and other direct-to-consumer models.
But the public response is cautious:
- Only 41% of adults believe these policies will actually lower their costs
- Opinions are deeply divided
- Even among those taking multiple medications, views are split
In other words—many patients are asking:
“Will this actually help me… or not?”
What People Do Agree On: Something Needs to Change
Despite political differences, there is strong agreement on one point:
- 72% of Americans want more action to regulate drug prices
That’s a rare level of consensus—and it speaks to how widespread this issue has become.
Why Are Prescription Drugs So Expensive?
While the system is complex, a few key drivers include:
- Multiple “middlemen” (pharmacy benefit managers, insurers, distributors)
- Lack of price transparency
- U.S. pricing often being higher than other countries
- Insurance structures that shift costs to patients through deductibles
Even insured patients often pay full price until their deductible is met—which means the cost burden still lands on them.
What This Means for Patients (Especially the ALICE Population)
For many of the families Aslan Health serves—those who are:
- Working full-time
- Earning too much for assistance
- But unable to afford high deductibles
…prescription drug costs can quietly become a crisis.
These are not people without access.
They are people who have access—but can’t afford to use it.
How Aslan Health Is Helping Patients Access Medications
At Aslan Health, we don’t believe a prescription should end with:
“Let us know if you can afford it.”
We take an active role in helping patients actually get the medications they need.
1. Round Table Rx Partnership
Through our partnership with Round Table Rx, we are able to provide:
- Low-cost or no-cost medications for qualifying patients
- Access to medications that would otherwise be unaffordable
- A practical, immediate solution—not just a prescription
This has been a game changer for many of our uninsured patients.
2. Cost-Conscious Prescribing
Our providers intentionally consider cost when making treatment decisions:
- Choosing effective generics when appropriate
- Avoiding unnecessary high-cost medications
- Talking through options with patients before sending prescriptions
3. Discount Programs & Pharmacy Navigation
We help patients:
- Identify lowest-cost pharmacy options
- Use discount programs and coupons
- Understand pricing differences between pharmacies
4. Whole-Person Care Approach
Sometimes the best way to reduce medication costs is to reduce the need for medication over time.
Through lifestyle counseling and programs like Lifestyle Rx, we help patients:
- Improve chronic conditions
- Reduce dependence on medications when safe and appropriate
- Build sustainable health habits
A Real-World Impact
We’ve seen patients:
Walk in unsure if they could afford their medications
And leave with a clear, affordable plan—and sometimes the medication in hand
Because access to care isn’t just about being seen.
It’s about being able to follow through.
A Different Way Forward
The KFF data confirms what many already feel:
The system isn’t working for too many people.
But it also points to something hopeful—there is growing awareness, and growing demand for change.
At Aslan Health, we are committed to being part of that solution:
- Providing care that people can actually afford
- Helping patients access medications—not just prescriptions
- Walking alongside patients in both their physical and financial health
- Demonstrating the love of Christ through practical, accessible care
Because no one should have to choose between their health and their finances.