Consumers Struggle With Prescription Drug Research and Accessibility, According to a New National Survey

DiRx, an online pharmacy aimed at putting medicine back in reach for millions of Americans, is investigating the biggest obstacles consumers face in understanding and shopping for their medications.

In March of 2022, DiRx surveyed 1,139 Americans to understand their sentiments on researching and purchasing prescription medicine while exploring the current state of pharmacy health literacy. The direct response survey was conducted across all genders and income groups that had recurring medication needs and were responsible for buying decisions.

Among the top findings, the survey concluded:

• 58% of respondents cite high prescription costs as their primary challenge when purchasing medication, but a high number also face additional barriers.
• 11% of those surveyed do not have transportation to obtain their prescription.
• 41% use pharmacy coupons to cut down drug costs.
• 8% face “pharmacy deserts’’, asserting no pharmacy is close to them.

The research provides valuable insights at a time when millions of consumers are struggling to pay for health costs. A government census reports that in 2019, 8% of people, or 26.1 million, did not have health insurance at any point during the year. In addition, today, more than 15 million low-income Americans, now covered by the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) are at risk of losing Medicaid coverage unless the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) extends the benefit later this month.

“We conducted this research with the intent to help more consumers make wise decisions when shopping for their prescriptions,” said DiRx Chief Executive Officer Satish Srinivasan. “Our goal is to use our research, experience and relationships to ensure all 328 million Americans can obtain the medicine they need, and that they’re never denied access due to insurance status, geography or income.”

The study also found that, when it comes to drug pricing, most respondents, or 55%, do not understand why their medication pricing may vary depending on where they purchase their medicine and only 41% claimed to know their exact prescription medicine costs.

When asked how they decide where to fill their prescriptions, 16% asked their doctor, 9% trusted their insurance companies and 84% said they do so on their own.

Interestingly, while 40% of those surveyed don’t believe generic drugs offer the same quality as brand names, 24% preferred generics over brands, and 87% overall expressed some level of trust in generics.

Read more survey findings here.

To address these pressures of cost and uncertainty, DiRx is offering 30 days of medicine free, up to a $100 value. The move supports the online pharmacy’s mission to deliver safe, affordable medicine to everyone who needs it. They can find the offer here.

About DiRx

DiRx is an online pharmacy that delivers savings on commonly prescribed, FDA-approved generic medicines without the need for insurance. Founded by industry experts, DiRx draws a straight line from supply to demand to streamline the path between the manufacturer and the consumer. This lowers costs and makes more medicine accessible to more people. DiRx offers a viable model for businesses and community organizations while simplifying how consumers fill, pay for, and receive maintenance medicine. To learn more, visit DiRxHealth.com, or call 877-FOR-DIRX (877-367-3479). You can also find DiRx on socials: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.

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