Prescription price gouging overwhelms

(CNN) - When it comes to health care reform, Democrats and Republicans have not agreed on much.  But one thing they do agree on is making a new system more affordable.

While Americans wait for Washington's health care overhaul, prescription drug prices are rising faster than they have in years.

And it's calling into question the drug industry's promised "partnership" on reform.

At pharmacies in New York city, the rising costs of prescription drugs is forcing some folks to make tough choices.

“When you have the choice between paying your rent or your medication, the choice is obvious. You're going to pay for your shelter first.” one customer said.

The nation is in the worst recession in decades. But while Americans have less money to spend, brand name drug prices are up, way up!

According to a new study for the AARP the cost of brand name prescription drugs is up more than 9 percent adding, on average, 200 dollars a year to the price of a once-daily pill.

And the jump comes just as the drug industry is promising to shave 80-billion dollars in drug costs over 10 years.

Alina Cho has more on this troubling dilemma facing many Americans in this internet health video report.