CVS Health survey finds voters concerned about drug prices

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — In an attempt to gauge patients’ attitudes toward the cost of prescription drugs, CVS Health in April conducted a survey of registered voters, whose results the company released Thursday. The survey found that 88% of respondents are somewhat or very concerned about the high cost of prescription drugs.

Among those concerned about drug prices, a higher percentage of women than men (60% vs. 47%, respectively) are very concerned about the cost of prescription medication. And generationally, voters between 45 and 65 years old were more likely to report concern than younger respondents, as were voterswho take three or more prescription drugs.

CVS Health also found sizable support for increased competition and faster drug review times. 47% of respondents said there aren’t enough different prescription drugs available to treat their conditions, and 47% said there’s not enough competition in the marketplace. Sixty percent of voters 55 to 64 years old say there isn’t enough competition among drug makers.

The company noted that among its efforts to keep costs low for patients are direct negotiations with manufacturers through its CVS Caremark pharmacy benefits manager, offering negotiated discounts at point of sale, encouraging the use of generic drugs and biosimilars and its Reduced Rx program, which aims to help patients with high out-of-pocket costs afford their medicine.