A recent poll reveals a startling trend: One in eight adults in the United States are now using Ozempic, Wegovy, or similar GLP-1 drugs. This widespread adoption has raised concerns about affordability and public skepticism regarding the Trump administration's efforts to lower prescription costs. The KFF Health Tracking Poll, conducted this fall, sheds light on the reasons behind this trend and the challenges faced by patients. Here are five key takeaways from the survey:
Prevalence and Demographics: Approximately 12% of U.S. adults use GLP-1 drugs, with the highest usage among adults aged 50-64 (22%) and women (15% vs. 9% of men). Individuals with diabetes (45%) or heart disease (29%) also report high usage rates.
Affordability Crisis: Despite the drugs' popularity, affordability remains a significant barrier. Over half (56%) of GLP-1 users struggle to afford the medications, even with health insurance. A quarter (27%) of insured users still pay the full cost themselves, indicating gaps in insurance coverage.
Reasons for Discontinuation: High costs and side effects are the primary reasons patients stop taking GLP-1 drugs. 14% of former users discontinued due to expense, while 13% cited side effects. In contrast, only 5% reported stopping because their condition had improved.
Public Skepticism: Public skepticism about the Trump administration's drug price reduction efforts is widespread. A majority (62%) believe it is unlikely that the administration's plans will lower drug prices for them. This skepticism persists despite recent announcements aimed at reducing costs for state Medicaid programs and IVF treatments.
Access and Alternative Sources: While most users obtain GLP-1 drugs through traditional medical channels, a notable minority acquire them from alternative sources. The poll found that 76% of users received the medication from their doctors, but 17% obtained it from online providers or websites, and 9% from medical spas or aesthetic medical centers, indicating a growing diversity in access methods.
