Health Care & Prescription Drugs

Current Campaigns

Safe & Affordable Prescription Drugs

Pharmaceutical companies make the medicines that enable us to live healthier, longer lives. But their business practices also drive up drug prices and increase the risk of harmful side effects, and their strong-armed lobbying has blocked needed reforms. More.

Results

• Maryland PIRG's 2006 report, “Paying the Price,” found that uninsured consumers in Baltimore pay 62 percent more for drugs purchased at their local pharmacy than the federal government. Maryland PIRG continues to work to pass legislation for a prescription drug buying pool.

• Maryland PIRG helped pass public health legislation to make all workplaces in Maryland, including restaurants, bars and private clubs, smoke-free. The law takes effect February 1, 2008.

Overview

In a country renowned for medical innovation and expertise, we expect drug companies to rigorously test and truthfully market their drugs. We expect that Americans have the means to treat illnesses, and hospitals will put our health and safety over all other concerns.

But prescription drug prices are soaring, the Vioxx tragedy demonstrates that drugs are not always safe, and infections at hospitals kill too many patients. Health insurance plans too often fail to provide the coverage or treatments we need.

Too often, it is powerful special interests that are keeping our country from fulfilling our expectations of health and safety. Maryland PIRG works to counter their influence and protect the health of all Marylanders.

The price of prescription drugs is too high. The problem is worst for the 46 million uninsured Americans, who must either pay full price or go without needed medications. Maryland PIRG is working to make prescription drugs affordable for all.