Issue Brief 5: Links Between Financial Hardship and Out-of-Pocket Drug Costs

High out-of-pocket costs lead to financial hardship for many patients. These patients must often choose between paying for life-saving medications, or covering the costs of basic needs like food, rent and utilities.

This Issue Brief examines how out-of-pocket drug costs cause financial hardship among economically vulnerable patients, and how financial assistance and other supports help alleviate some of these challenges.