Affordability Concerns & skepticism Greet Trump Governance’s Drug Price Initiatives: A Deep Dive into New KFF Polling Data
The rising cost of prescription drugs remains a important burden for many Americans, and recent initiatives from the Trump administration aimed at lowering those costs are met with considerable skepticism, according to new data from the Kaiser Family foundation (KFF). A recent KFF poll, conducted October 27-November 2, 2025, among a nationally representative sample of 1,350 U.S. adults, reveals a complex landscape of affordability challenges, notably surrounding popular GLP-1 medications, and a deeply partisan divide in expectations regarding the administration’s impact.
This article provides a complete analysis of the KFF findings, offering insights into the challenges patients face, the reasons behind medication non-adherence, and public perception of the proposed solutions. We’ll break down the key takeaways, offering context and implications for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers.
GLP-1 Drugs: Effective, But Frequently enough Tough to Afford
The poll highlights significant affordability issues surrounding GLP-1 receptor agonists – a class of drugs initially developed for diabetes management, but increasingly popular for weight loss (brands like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro). Even before President Trump’s recent proclamation regarding cost and coverage, a significant 56% of GLP-1 users reported difficulty affording these medications. This struggle persists even among those with insurance, with 55% reporting affordability concerns.
This finding underscores a critical gap in access to perhaps life-changing medications. While GLP-1s have demonstrated efficacy in managing chronic conditions and promoting weight loss, their high cost creates a barrier for many who could benefit.
Cost & Side Effects Drive Medication Discontinuation
The financial strain isn’t just a hurdle to starting treatment; it’s a major reason people stop taking GLP-1s. A concerning 14% of current users have discontinued the medication due to cost. This is nearly equal to the 13% who stopped due to experiencing unwanted side effects. Only 5% stopped because their condition improved.
These numbers paint a clear picture: the benefits of GLP-1s are being cut short for a significant portion of patients due to financial constraints or adverse reactions. This highlights the need for both affordable access and comprehensive patient education regarding potential side effects.
Limited Awareness & Widespread Skepticism of Trump Administration Policies
The KFF poll reveals a significant disconnect between the administration’s announcements and public awareness.Most Americans (62%) have heard little to nothing about the recent initiatives, which include deals to lower drug prices for state Medicaid programs, reduced costs for in vitro fertilization (IVF) drugs, and the planned launch of TrumpRx – a website aiming to allow direct drug purchases from manufacturers.
Even among those aware of the policies, skepticism is high. A majority (62%) believe these policies are “not too likely” or ”not at all likely” to lower prescription drug costs for people like them. Only 38% express some level of optimism.
Partisan Divide: A Tale of Two Perceptions
The level of optimism regarding the administration’s efforts is sharply divided along political lines. A striking 73% of Republicans and 83% of MAGA supporters believe the policies will likely lower drug prices for them. conversely, only 33% of Independents and a mere 9% of Democrats share this belief.
This stark contrast underscores the influence of political affiliation on perceptions of policy effectiveness. It also suggests a potential for miscommunication or differing interpretations of the administration’s goals.
Medicare Enrollees Show More Confidence
Interestingly, Medicare enrollees are more optimistic than other demographics. Nearly half (49%) of adults 65 and older with Medicare believe the policies will likely benefit them, compared to 34% of those with employer-sponsored insurance and 32% of those on Medicaid.This may be due to increased attention to prescription drug costs within the Medicare population and a perceived focus on senior benefits.
Broader Affordability Challenges & Access Points
Beyond GLP-1s, the poll reveals a broader struggle with prescription drug affordability. 26% of adults report problems paying for medications in the past year. This figure jumps to 41% among the uninsured, 33% among Hispanic adults and Black adults, and 33% among those with household incomes below $40,0
