Top Barriers Preventing Patients from Accessing Their Medications
Nicolas Karanian is a skilled Research Analyst with a Master’s degree in Market Research from the University of Texas at Arlington and over three years of experience in the field. Specializing in healthcare, particularly pet and animal healthcare, he also brings expertise in retail and technology consumer studies, leveraging advanced analytic techniques to uncover actionable insights. Nicolas believes the big picture is built from countless smaller details, ensuring no aspect is overlooked in solving complex problems and driving impactful decisions.
As the healthcare landscape continues to grow and evolve, a rising number of patients face difficulties in obtaining essential medications. Despite being diagnosed with conditions that require regular treatment, these individuals encounter significant challenges in fulfilling their prescriptions. What are the primary barriers preventing patients from accessing their medications, and how widespread are these obstacles? KS&R’s SIX (Social Insights Exchange) Team analyzed social conversations around prescription fulfillment to uncover the most pressing issues impacting patients.
A Growing List of Obstacles
The issues surrounding prescription access are diverse and deeply impactful, often standing between patients and the medications they need most. While well-known barriers such as high medication costs and insurance denials play a major role, other, less-discussed issues are also coming to light. For example, some pharmacists deem certain medications as non-standard or too risky, choosing not to fill these prescriptions. Additionally, physical access to pharmacies and a lack of established relationships between healthcare providers and pharmacies can disrupt medication access for many.
Insurance Challenges:
Insurance hurdles remain one of the largest obstacles patients face. From denied claims to inadequate reimbursements for pharmacies, insurance-related issues can prevent patients from accessing essential medications, sometimes due to errors outside of their control.
- “[A friend] told me that sometime healthcare insurance do not pay the pharmacy the right amount of money (lower) for a prescription. He said that the pharmacy can’t go back and forth with the insurance and all the pharmacy can do is deny to fill the prescription.” – GAMYSTRATOS on Reddit
- “My wife’s pre authorization gets denied at least 2-3 times a year for a medication she has been on for 6 years and isn’t controlled. Just insurance companies being cheap and making things difficult like always.” – Turtlez2009 on Reddit
These testimonies highlight a significant barrier: patients often lose access to their medications due to administrative or financial issues on the insurer’s end, leaving them vulnerable.
Pharmacy Shortages:
A shortage of pharmacists across the United States is creating yet another challenge for patients seeking medications. The issue has led to pharmacy closures, reduced hours, and limited availability in certain regions, forcing patients to travel farther or wait longer for prescriptions.
- “The pharmacist shortage in the US is causing major challenges for customers seeking essential medication.” – Pharmacy_Guild on X(Twitter)
This sentiment reflects a growing problem—without adequate staffing, pharmacies struggle to meet patient needs, further complicating the process of accessing medications.
The High Cost of Healthcare:
Even when insurance is not a direct barrier, the high costs of co-pays and lack of coverage for certain medications can place an enormous financial burden on patients. These expenses can lead individuals to forego medication entirely to avoid out-of-pocket costs.
- “I also know a few people who don’t get care, therapists or psychs, or meds, because it’s so expensive. I currently owe $300 to my psychiatrist and can’t see her until it’s paid off. She luckily has kept prescribing my meds though.” Hokiewa5244 on Reddit
For many patients, the choice becomes either paying exorbitant fees for necessary care or risking their health by going without treatment.
Addressing a Complex Challenge
As the healthcare system continues to evolve, addressing these barriers to medication access is essential to ensuring patients receive the care they need. Whether the issue lies with insurance, costs, pharmacy shortages, or personal limitations, each of these obstacles affects patients’ lives in real ways. Bridging these gaps will require a collaborative effort from insurance providers, pharmacies, and healthcare systems alike.
For now, patients continue to navigate a challenging landscape where the necessity of medication clashes with the realities of a complex healthcare system.
About KS&R
KS&R is a nationally recognized strategic consultancy and marketing research firm that provides clients with timely, fact-based insights and actionable solutions through industry-centered expertise. Specializing in Business Services, Telecom, Entertainment & Recreation, Healthcare, Retail & E-Commerce, Technology, and Transportation & Logistics verticals, KS&R empowers companies globally to make smarter business decisions. For more information, please visit www.ksrinc.com.
