January 2, 2019
Media Contact:
Scott Peterson, Director of Communications, Office of Public Information, 202-277-9412
ELLICOTT CITY – Howard County Executive Calvin Ball will demonstrate his support of proposed legislation to create a Prescription Drug Affordability Board along with the Maryland Citizens’ Health Initiative and other local leaders at an event in Cambridge MD tomorrow. The effort is intended to make drug costs more affordable for people of Howard County and all Marylanders through a Board that will review and establish fair and affordable drug costs for Marylanders. To view a livestream of this press conference, please go to: https://www.facebook.com/mdhealthcareforall.
“Howard County has been and will continue to be at the forefront of health care innovations for our residents with initiatives such as ‘Healthy Howard’ – a holistic approach to providing health care to our uninsured that predated the ACA,” said Ball. “Today, we are proud to support Maryland Citizens’ Health Initiative’s proposed legislation to create a Prescription Drug Affordability Board to control soaring drug costs. Prescription drug prices are hurting people across Howard County and we need to stand up and speak up to help all Marylanders afford their medications.”
Already in Maryland, state agencies review and approve costs for such things as health insurance and the rates hospitals can charge for services.
“We are thrilled to have the support of these forward-looking local leaders. They will stand with us as we fight for the people of Maryland to bring down the costs of lifesaving drugs,” said Vincent DeMarco, president of the Maryland Citizens’ Health Initiative. “Too many Marylanders struggle to afford the drugs they need, and it’s time for the General Assembly to act. Drugs don’t work if people can’t afford them.”
WHAT:
Local leaders will endorse legislation to establish a Prescription Drug Affordability Board
WHEN:
Thursday, Jan. 3, 2019, 11:30 a.m.
WHO:
Howard County Executive Calvin Ball
Delegate Joseline Peña-Melnyk, House of Delegates Lead Sponsor
Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman
Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski
Frederick County Executive Jan Gardner
Harford County Executive Barry Glassman
Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich
Prince George's County Executive Angela Alsobrooks
Wandra Ashley-Williams, Vice President, Maryland State Conference of NAACP Branches
James Campbell, President, AARP Maryland
Vincent DeMarco, President, Maryland Citizens’ Health Initiative
WHERE:
Cambridge House, Hyatt Regency, 100 Heron Blvd., at Route 50,
Cambridge, MD 21613
LIVESTREAM:
https://www.facebook.com/mdhealthcareforall