Words by Tess Becker
Prescription drug prices in the US are astronomical. Americans spend an average of $1,300 a year on their prescription medications. That’s compared to about $550 for other comparable countries.
Take insulin, for example, the medicine used to treat diabetes. The medicine, which is instrumental in keeping people with diabetes alive, was near unaffordable for people, costing nearly $100 a vial in 2018 and climbing until recently.
To address cases like that, places in the United States are starting to work toward lowering drug prices. Eli Lily, a drugmaker in the States, for example, capped the out-of-pocket cost of insulin at $35. And now entire states are starting to tackle drug prices.
One of those states, Maryland, introduced a Prescription Drug Affordability Board in 2019 and has since been discussing drug prices and enacting plans to make medicine more affordable. The board is now going through a public comment period to solidify their plans.
“Marylanders across the state are struggling to afford the prescription drugs they need, often having to choose between their medications and other necessities, like rent and groceries,” the board writes in a statement.
“As prescription drug costs continue to soar, the Maryland General Assembly must build upon and strengthen the state’s landmark 2019 Prescription Drug Affordability Board law (HB768) to ensure that all Marylanders have access to affordable medications, because drugs don’t work if people can’t afford them.”
Charity check-in
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
Path Home. This organization helps families facing homelessness in Portland, Oregon. Find out more and support them here.
Hope South Florida. They help people affected by homelessness across the tri-county South Florida. Find out more.
National Coalition for the Homeless. They aid homeless people around the country through their many branches. Support them here.
