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The #1 Reason Patients Skip Their Medications (and How to Fix It)

Published on May 05, 2025 | 7:32 AM

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If you've ever left a pharmacy empty-handed—or delayed refilling a prescription—you're not alone.

In fact, nearly 1 in 3 patients admit to skipping or rationing medications. The #1 reason? Cost.

Even with insurance, many people are shocked to discover that a single prescription can come with a triple-digit price tag. And for those managing chronic conditions or needing monthly refills, the costs add up fast.

But here's the thing: skipping medications isn't just a wallet issue—it’s a health issue. And it doesn’t have to be this way.

Let’s break it down.

Why Are Prescriptions So Expensive?

There’s no simple answer, but a few major culprits include:

  • Lack of price transparency: You often don’t know the cost until you’re at the counter.
  • Insurance loopholes: High deductibles or non-covered meds leave you paying full price.
  • Pharmacy markup: Retail chains can charge drastically different prices for the same drug.

For many, the frustration isn’t just the price—it’s the process. Long waits, confusing formularies, or last-minute surprises can make getting care feel like a full-time job.

What Skipping Meds Really Means

Let’s be real: when patients skip medications, it’s not usually because they want to.

It’s because they’re choosing between groceries or their blood pressure meds, rent or anxiety treatment, gas money or insulin. It’s a choice no one should have to make—and yet it happens every day.

Skipping doses, halving pills, or waiting “just one more week” can lead to worsening symptoms, ER visits, and higher long-term costs.

But the system makes it hard to do the right thing.

So… what’s the fix?

Making Medications More Affordable and Accessible

The solution isn’t just about coupons or hoping your insurance kicks in. It’s about rethinking how we get care.

That’s where online healthcare and telemedicine services come in.

Imagine this:

  • No waiting rooms
  • No surprise bills
  • No insurance required to get a prescription
  • Flat-rate pricing upfront
  • Access to licensed medical providers 24/7

Services like Call-On-Doc are changing the game. You can consult with a provider, get a personalized treatment plan, and have prescriptions sent to your local pharmacy—all without stepping foot in a clinic. Bonus: they also offer tools like RX savings cards and price checkers, so you know what you're paying before you get to the counter.

Real Talk: Convenience Matters Too

Affordability is huge—but so is convenience. Between work, kids, and life, getting to the doctor or pharmacy isn’t always realistic.

When care is accessible from your couch, during your lunch break, or after the kids go to bed, you're more likely to follow through. And when prescriptions are affordable and easy to get, adherence skyrockets.

 

The Bottom Line

If you’ve ever skipped your meds, you're not alone—and you're not to blame. The system hasn't made it easy.

But now, there are better options. Telehealth platforms like Call-On-Doc are built to eliminate the barriers that keep people from getting the care they deserve.

Because staying on top of your health shouldn’t require a second job—or a second mortgage.

 

Ready to take control of your care?
Explore affordable, no-hassle treatment options at Call-On-Doc, and never skip a prescription again.

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Bailey Bryan,

Bailey is a healthcare communications specialist at Call-On-Doc with over three years of experience helping patients access reliable, high-quality care. A Texas Tech University graduate with a BA in Electronic Media and Visual Communications and a minor in English, Bailey is passionate about patient education and creating clear, compassionate content that supports every step of the care journey.

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