Drugs don't work if people cannot afford them. Maryland families deserve access to affordable medication, especially life saving prescription drugs. But from cancer treatments to EpiPens, drug companies' skyrocketing prices are pushing life-saving treatments out of reach for those who need them.
We pay among the highest prescription drug prices in the world so drug companies can make billions. No one should have to choose between buying medicine or buying food for our families. That's not just wrong — it's shameful.
It's time for our lawmakers to take action to protect seniors and all taxpayers from price gouging by drug companies! That's why AARP Maryland is supporting the prescription drug affordability bill HB 768/SB 759 to establish the Maryland Prescription Drug Affordability Board.
Now is the time to act! Contact your state delegates and senators and tell them to stand up to corporate greed and stand for working families and seniors by supporting the Maryland Prescription Drug Affordability Board.
Many Marylanders 50+ are often unable to afford the best medications for their needs, and can be forced to choose between their treatment and other necessities. Overall drug prices increased 9 percent in 2016 while inflation increased just over 2 percent. Social Security recipients received about a 2 percent increase with their Medicare Premiums increasing just about 2 percent.
In December 2018, AARP Maryland surveyed more than 1,300 members to determine what we should work on during the legislative session. Overwhelmingly, members by more than 50 percent said affordable prescription drugs are their top concern.
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