WASHINGTON — The Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) is spotlighting new research from the George Washington University Competition & Innovation Lab that underscores the vital role over-the-counter medicines play in improving access to care — particularly as primary care shortages deepen across the United States.
The report, No Doctor, No Problem: The Benefits of Innovation Expanding OTC Drug Access, authored by Chris Stomberg, outlines the growing pressures facing the healthcare system, including worsening primary care shortages, high out-of-pocket costs, and persistent geographic disparities. With more than 76 million people living in Health Professional Shortage Areas, the findings point to Rx-to-OTC switches as one of the most effective strategies for expanding affordable, convenient access to treatment.
“OTC medicines keep our healthcare system moving,” said CHPA President and CEO Scott Melville. “Without OTC options, 82% of Americans would have gone to the doctor, highlighting the time saved, costs avoided, and reduced strain across the entire U.S. healthcare system. This new research confirms what our industry has long known: expanding access through pathways like Rx-to-OTC switch isn’t just good policy, it’s essential to improving public health.”
CHPA Senior Vice President of Regulatory and Scientific Affairs Scott Furness, Ph.D., emphasized the need for clear, science-based regulatory pathways to support these innovations. “A strong, science-based OTC framework is essential to ensuring a clear pathway for Rx-to-OTC switches — a pathway that empowers consumers, reduces strain on our healthcare system, and expands access in communities that too often face structural barriers to care,” Furness said.
The report cites more than 100 successful Rx-to-OTC switches since the 1970s, pointing to expanded access, increased treatment uptake, and reduced overall healthcare costs. Common examples include allergy medications, naloxone, and oral contraceptives.
OTC access is especially important in “medical deserts,” where traditional healthcare infrastructure is limited. Non-traditional retailers — from dollar and convenience stores to grocery and mass merchants — serve as essential access points for self-care products, often providing the most reliable and affordable options for underserved communities.
As policymakers consider strategies to strengthen the nation’s healthcare system, CHPA is urging continued support for OTC innovation and regulatory clarity to keep pace with evolving public health needs.
“Expanding access to OTC medicines is core to improving public health, supporting health equity, and empowering consumers to manage their own care,” Melville added. “The report reinforces that need, and CHPA and our members remain committed to advancing responsible, evidence-based access to self-care.”
Click here for the full study.
