2020 CONSUMER INSIGHTS

While we’ve kickstarted 2021 focused on continuing to help our clients and members lower their prescription drug spend, we’re also looking in the rearview at a year that challenged most of us. As 2020 came to a close, we took the opportunity to engage 700 people—all of whom use prescription drugs—and asked them to answer questions about a variety of issues, from COVID-19 to drug pricing, and plenty in between.

CHECK OUT THE INFOGRAPHIC OR FULL REPORT HIGHLIGHTING WHAT WE’VE FOUND—OR SCROLL DOWN FOR A PREVIEW OF THE SURVEY RESULTS.

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STILL OUT OF CONTROL

It’s not news to us, but a whopping 7 out of 10 survey respondents don’t feel like they have any control over the cost of their prescriptions.

Illustrated silhouettes of a group of 10 people. Seven are filled in with color—green, blue and orange—and three remain in black and white.

And since 34% saw the price of their prescriptions increase from 2019 to 2020, there’s more work to be done.

Illustration of currency with a dollar sign on it.

COVID'S IMPACT

The pandemic has upended so many aspects of our lives—health, financial, family, you name it. Of all the ways that people are changing their behavior in response to COVID-19, our survey highlighted three key areas:

Numeral 1 placed within a blue circle.

Fulfillment
Trends

A mailed package with tape on the top of the box.

46%

switched to mail-order or 90-day fills due to COVID-19 and to reduce their prescription costs.

Numeral two placed in an orange circle.

Medication
Adherence

A prescription drug capsule and tablet.

25%

skipped filling their prescription or rationed their medication.

Numeral three placed in a green circle.

Delayed
Care

An illustrated stethoscope.

42%

skipped or postponed an annual wellness visit.

DEMOGRAPHIC SNAPSHOT

Illustration of man and woman aged between 18 and 29 years old.

Ages 18-29

Financial Fallout

52% incurred job loss or reduced wages/ hours due to COVID-19.

Illustration of man and woman aged between 30 and 44 years old.

Ages 30-44

Feeling in Charge

Almost 40% felt like they were in control of their prescription costs.

Illustration of man and woman aged between 45 and 60 years old.

Ages 45-60

Going Virtual

42% changed an in-person visit to a telemedicine appointment due to COVID-19.

Illustration of man and woman aged 60 or older.

Ages 60+

Clipping Coupons

39% utilized a discount card in hopes of lowering their prescription costs in 2020.

WHO'S IN CHARGE?

When asked who should be responsible for lowering the cost of prescription drugs, our survey respondents’ answers were largely split—41% to 40%—between the government and pharmaceutical companies. In reality, it's much more complex than that.

Graphic representation of the relationship between key stakeholders in prescription drug industry.

LOOKING FORWARD

More than 70% of respondents expect the price of their prescriptions to either go up or stay the same as a new presidential administration takes over in 2021. Here’s what they said they plan to do about it:

Illustration of currency with dollar symbol on the front.