Healthcare Consumer Poll Results
Most Americans Trust Their Pharmacists.
So Why Aren’t They Asking for Help?
New research from Lumicera reveals that while people feel confident in their pharmacy relationships, they rarely tap into the resources that could help them most.
Prescription costs are rising. Patients are skipping medications. Yet pharmacists — often the most accessible healthcare professionals — are underutilized when it comes to navigating cost, coverage, and care.
A national survey of 2,000 Americans conducted by Lumicera Health Services reveals a disconnect between what people say about pharmacists and what they actually do. The findings highlight missed opportunities for patient engagement — and underscore the crucial role pharmacists play in improving affordability, access, and outcomes.
Comfort Without Connection
Healthcare consumers value having a relationship with their pharmacist, but aren’t asking any questions:
The data was derived from a survey by Lumicera Health Services conducted online via Pollfish on February 19, 2025. 2,000 healthcare consumers aged 18+ completed the survey.
Most Americans polled say they feel comfortable interacting with pharmacists and appreciate being known personally. But that trust often doesn’t lead to action. Many patients rarely ask questions or raise concerns about their medications or the cost of care.
- 89% feel comfortable asking their pharmacist questions
- 81% are comfortable sharing personal health information
- 75% value having a pharmacist who knows them personally
Yet…
- 55% rarely ask questions about their medications
- 21% don’t ask for any information at all
- Nearly three-quarters (74%) have never discussed financial challenges with their doctor or pharmacist
Sticker Shock Without Strategy
The majority of respondents report being surprised by medication costs — and many have chosen not to fill prescriptions because of cost or inconvenience. While most know prices can vary depending on the pharmacy, few take the time to shop around or explore lower-cost options.
- 75% have been surprised by the cost of a prescription
- 30% have skipped picking up a prescription due to cost, distance, or long wait times
- 33% have cited medication cost affordability challenges
- More than four in five (81%) don’t fully understand the true cost of their medication
- 68% know that different pharmacies may charge different prices
However…
- 56% don’t research drug prices or cost-saving alternatives
- 54% have never compared prices across major retailers like Walmart, Costco, or Walgreens
“Americans are consistently blindsided by prescription costs, yet too often, they’re not engaging with the very professionals who can help – their pharmacists.”
– Ben Heiser, PharmD, MBA, CSP, LSSGB, General Manager of Specialty Pharmacy, Lumicera Health Services
Healthcare consumers don’t fully understand the cost of their medication:
Don’t fully understands the true cost of their medication
Have been surprised by the cost of a prescription
Know that different pharmacies may charge different prices
Don’t research drug prices or cost-saving alternatives
Have never compared prices across major retailers like Walmart, Costco or Walgreens
Have cited medication cost affordability challenges
Have skipped picking up a prescription due to cost, distance or long wait times
The data was derived from a survey by Lumicera Health Services conducted online via Pollfish on February 19, 2025. 2,000 healthcare consumers aged 18+ completed the survey.
Researching and understanding options are critical, particularly when it comes to high-cost specialty drugs – which account for just 2% of prescriptions but nearly 80% of total drug spend.* These therapies are often used to manage chronic or complex conditions and may require long-term support. Specialty pharmacists can play a valuable role in helping patients stay on therapy, understand how their medications work, and identify potential ways to manage or reduce costs.
*Source: Journal of Managed Care & Specialty Pharmacy, 2024
“At Lumicera, we believe no one should have to choose between their health and their financial well-being. Specialty pharmacies play a critical role in helping patients navigate costs and stay on therapy — but the value comes from real connection and engagement.”
– Ben Heiser, PharmD, MBA, CSP, LSSGB
The Lumicera Approach
A cost-plus specialty pharmacy model designed around people — not profit.
We are committed to making these important medications affordable and accessible for our patients. We support patients on specialty medications through a cost-plus, patient-first model. When working with Lumicera, there is clarity to total cost, which reflects the cost to acquire the medication, a patient management fee, and shipping. Individuals also experience a robust support model that helps patients navigate their most complex prescriptions with confidence, and understanding, and support.
We prioritize:
- Affordability: Negotiating fair prices for specialty medications
- Access: Helping patients get the treatments they need, when they need them
- Education: Empowering patients through pharmacist counseling and support
- Adherence: Guiding patients throughout their treatment journey
This survey was conducted online by Lumicera Health Services via Pollfish on February 19, 2025. It surveyed 2,000 U.S. adults aged 18 and older. Respondents were 57% women and 43% men. All statistics are rounded to the nearest whole number.