Prescription Drug CPI
BLS data
What is the current Prescription Drug CPI?
The prescription drug Consumer Price Index declined 0.68% year-over-year in the latest reading, one of the few consumer categories showing deflation. However, out-of-pocket drug costs remain a significant burden for uninsured and underinsured households who pay list prices rather than negotiated rates. Source: BLS (CUSR0000SEMF01).
Prescription drug prices falling 0.7% year-over-year — a rare bright spot
BLS data. Drug price deflation reflects Medicare negotiation effects and generic competition. One of the few CPI categories providing cost relief to households.
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How has Prescription Drug CPI changed over time?
Most affected counties
Counties with the highest housing cost burden scores in the County Distress Index.
Explore all 3,144 counties →| Period | Value | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 2026 | -2.2% | −4.3 pts |
| Feb 2026 | -0.68% | −5.3 pts |
| Jan 2026 | 1.94% | −2.5 pts |
| Dec 2025 | 2% | +0.9 pts |
| Nov 2025 | 1.44% | +0.7 pts |
| Sep 2025 | 1.71% | −0.5 pts |
| Aug 2025 | 0.88% | −1.1 pts |
| Jul 2025 | 0.88% | −1.6 pts |
| Jun 2025 | 1.2% | −1.2 pts |
| May 2025 | 0.81% | −1.6 pts |
| Apr 2025 | 2.28% | +1.9 pts |
| Mar 2025 | 2.15% | +1.7 pts |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are prescription drug prices falling?
The BLS prescription drug CPI declined 0.68% year-over-year. However, this reflects negotiated prices — many consumers without insurance or with high-deductible plans still face rising out-of-pocket costs.
Why track prescription drug prices?
Drug costs are non-discretionary for people with chronic conditions. When Rx prices rise faster than income, households may skip medications — tracked by the American Distress Index as a healthcare access signal.
Where does this data come from?
Published monthly by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, series CUSR0000SEMF01.
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