Advocates for Rx Affordability Attempt to Nudge Hogan With Poll

A poll released Tuesday found that Maryland residents strongly support a measure approved by the General Assembly this session designed to rein in the price of prescription drugs.

Backers of the bill, who commissioned the survey, hope the results will convince Gov. Lawrence J. Hogan Jr. (R) to sign it into law.

The survey found that 81 percent of Maryland residents support creation of a Prescription Drug Affordability Board to review medications that spike in price.

The measure passed both chambers of the General Assembly on the last day of the session, 38-8 in the Senate and 96-37 in the House. Hogan has until the end of the month to sign or veto the bill, or allow it to become law without his signature.

“Marylanders know that drugs don’t work if people can’t afford them and therefore overwhelmingly want the new Prescription Drug Affordability Board law to take effect soon,” said Vincent DeMarco, president of the Maryland Citizens’ Health Initiative.