While tariffs might seem disconnected from direct patient care, the indirect consequences of increased costs could be significant. After all, the US healthcare system relies heavily on other countries for supplies, equipment, and pharmaceuticals. The pressure of these increased costs could have a ripple effect on nurse practitioners’ day-to-day practice.
As of April 9th, 2025, the Trump admin announced a 90-day pause on its reciprocal tariff plan for most countries. However, the volatility of the administration’s approach to its tariff plan means that there’s still a lot of uncertainty about what will happen to the medical field if, or when, they are fully enacted. Today we’ll discuss what effects these tariffs could spell out for NPs.
Because medical supplies like gloves and needles are largely produced overseas, tariffs would likely cause supply disruptions. Higher costs or limited availability of medical supplies may lead practices to cut corners or ration resources, not unlike the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Facing pressure to deliver the same level of care with fewer tools or budget constraints, NPs could see decreased efficiency in their workflows, causing patient dissatisfaction. For health systems, the increased cost of supplies and equipment could translate to limited resources, staffing and program cuts, or reduced programs and benefits, at a time when more people than ever before are seeking healthcare services.
While pharmaceutical drugs were originally excluded from tariffs, the Trump administration has since threatened to reverse this exemption. Generic drugs are largely produced overseas and would likely experience a substantial price increase. Domestically produced drugs are unlikely to be spared from increased costs, since the active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in these medicines are often produced in China.
Aside from the potential for increased prices across the board, Tariff-related disruptions in pharmaceutical supply chains could create new shortages of medications and exacerbate existing ones. In practice, this could mean more time spent researching and adjusting treatment plans based on what’s available or covered.
A concerning consequence of the tariffs is their potential to create even more barriers to care for low-income, uninsured, and underinsured patients. As the cost of medications and supplies rises, these patients may be disproportionately affected. At the same time, many federal assistance programs are being scaled back, making it harder for NPs to connect vulnerable patients with affordable care options. The result could be delayed treatment, medication nonadherence, and widening health disparities.
As uncertainty around tariffs continues, nurse practitioners should remain vigilant about the potential downstream effects on their practice. From rising medication costs to equipment shortages, these economic shifts could complicate care delivery, especially for vulnerable patients.
By staying informed, advocating for equitable access, and working collaboratively across care teams, NPs can help buffer some of these impacts and ensure patients continue to receive the care they need. While the policy landscape may remain in flux, the commitment of NPs to accessible, patient-centered care remains a steady force in a shifting system.
