Md. legislation would rein in prescription drug costs (Baltimore Sun)
Health care spending is skyrocketing in this country. While many national conversations have focused on what will happen to the Affordable Care Act under President Donald Trump's administration, there is another threat to health that cannot be forgotten: the high cost of prescription drugs.
In fact, prescription drugs are one of the most significant drivers of health care costs. Although drug companies' innovation is essential to developing lifesaving drugs, no lives can be saved if people cannot afford medications in the first place.
One out of every four Americans says that paying for their prescription drugs is difficult, according to a poll by the Kaiser Family Foundation. The share of people facing difficulties is even greater among those with low incomes, who take several medications or who are less healthy. Many forgo medications to pay for rent, food and other necessities.