Prescription drug prices in the United States are nearly 2.8 times higher than the prices in other OECD countries, like Canada, Japan, and France.¹ With nearly 7 in every 10 American adults (69%) prescribed at least one medication, these high costs impact the majority of the population to some degree.² The largest majority (74%) of respondents identified drug companies as the primary contributor to high healthcare costs, and, a majority stated that the government should limit the price of expensive prescription drugs (90%),  and rein in prescription drug prices (91%). Just 31% felt that state lawmakers should support local pharmacies if it means higher prescription drug costs for everyone.

Medication Rationing

When prescription drugs are unaffordable, patients are forced to ration the medications they have on hand by skipping doses or splitting pills in half, or they may not be able to fill their prescription at all. Nationally, individuals who ration medication often experience worse health outcomes and more frequently use healthcare services relative to patients who take their medication as prescribed.³ More than one in every four (31%) of respondents in Oklahoma reported rationing medication due to cost concerns in the last year (see Figure 1).

Certain populations were also more likely to report rationing medication, specifically lower-income respondents (earning less than $50,000 a year) and respondents with a disability or living in a household with a person with a disability (see Table 1).

Worries about Affording the Cost of Prescription Drugs in the Future

Almost 47% of survey respondents reported being somewhat or very worried about affording the cost of prescription drugs. Worry varies by income group, with the lowest income groups worrying about these costs at much higher rates. Across household and demographic characteristics, respondents at the lowest income level (making less than $50,000 annually) reported experiencing the most worry (62%). Similarly, respondents who have SoonerCare, the state Medicaid program (69%); those who are unemployed (68%); those living in households that include someone with a disability (55%); and respondents of color (52%) reported the highest rates of worry in their respective categories (see Table 2).⁵

Respondent Perceptions of Healthcare Systems, Policy Solutions

Oklahoma respondents reported that they believe drug companies have a major responsibility for rising healthcare costs were drug companies (74%). A majority stated that the government should limit the price of expensive prescription drugs (90%), and rein in prescription drug prices (91%).

When asked about their views on policy solutions to influence healthcare costs and efficiency, Oklahoma respondents endorsed several strategies and revealed that there is bipartisan support for these policy strategies as well (see Table 3).

The high burden of healthcare and prescription drug affordability, along with high levels of support for change, suggests that elected leaders need to make addressing this consumer burden a top priority. Importantly, respondents underscored the need for clarity around how government efforts might affect what they pay. More than 80% agreed or strongly agreed that state lawmakers should be required to disclose how proposed laws and mandates affect costs for consumers, taxpayers, and businesses. Affordability is a key concern and driver of healthcare decisions. For example, only 31% felt that state lawmakers should support local pharmacies if it means higher prescription drug costs for everyone. For more detailed information about healthcare affordability burdens facing Oklahoma respondents, please see Healthcare Value Hub, Oklahoma Residents Struggle to Afford High Healthcare Costs; Worry About Affording Healthcare in the Future; Support Government Action across Party Lines, Data Brief (October 2025).