County Executive Addresses Prescription Cost Concerns At MD Health Care Coalition Forum

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — At a public forum hosted by the Maryland Health Care Coalition for All, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball addressed concerns about rising prescription drug prices.

Ball joined the Maryland Health Care Coalition shortly after taking office in 2019. That same year, the Maryland General Assembly established the Prescription Drug Affordability Board - the first of its kind in the nation. The board has the authority to examine the high cost of prescription drugs and make suggestions on how to make prices more affordable for Marylanders.

"We're honored to be the first jurisdiction to host these important conversations held around the state. While we have already made progress building a healthier and stronger community, with access to quality care, we can and will do better. Our hope is these forums will highlight the incredible burden of rising drug costs and inspire continuous action from the Prescription Drug Affordability Board," Howard County Executive Calvin Ball said.

Board members, key stakeholders and local leaders shared updates on federal actions regarding prescription drug prices during the forum. Audience members also had the chance to ask questions of speakers, as well as provide input during roundtable breakout sessions.

"The board has been working hard and we’re excited to meet with the public to update the community about the progress we’ve made,” said Board Executive Director Andrew York.

Marylanders who missed the forum in Howard County can attend one planned for the near future:

• Montgomery County Forum on Sept. 26 at 1 p.m. at Leisure World, MD
• Prince George’s County Forum on Oct. 4 at 11 a.m. at Riderwood Senior Living Community, 3140 Gracefield Road Silver Spring, MD 20904
• Frederick County Forum with Asian American Center of Frederick on Oct. 7 at 9:30 a.m. at Frederick High School, 650 Carroll Pkwy, Frederick, MD 21701
• Eastern Shore Forum (Salisbury) on Oct. 11 at 11 a.m. MAC 909 Progress Circle, Salisbury, MD 21804
• Hagerstown Forum on Oct. 12 at 12 p.m. at Hagerstown Library 100 S Potomac St, Hagerstown, MD 21740
• Anne Arundel County Forum on Oct. 18 at 11 a.m. at Annapolis Senior Center, 119 S Villa Ave, Annapolis, MD 21401
• Charles County Forum on Nov. 1 at 11 a.m. at Waldorf Senior Center, 90 Post Office Road, Waldorf, MD 20602
• Baltimore City Forum on Nov. 8 at 9:30 a.m. at the Waxter Center, 1000 Cathedral Street, Baltimore, MD 21201
• Baltimore County Forum on Nov. 15 at 11 a.m. at Liberty Senior Center, 3525 Resource Drive, Randallstown, MD 21133