State Lawmakers Can and Should Protect Consumers from Prescription Drug Price Gouging during COVID-19 and Beyond

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought to light the brutal reality of a health care system that is fundamentally unprepared and struggling to meet the needs of America’s families and consumers. While America’s families are struggling to pay rent and health care bills, the pharmaceutical industry is raising prices for the medicines they need to survive.

This issue brief lays out the incentives that drive pharmaceutical industry profits, highlights the failures of federal policymakers to protect consumers from high and rising drug prices, and offers concrete policy options for states that have the potential to make a meaningful difference in the lives of consumers and families.