Against the backdrop of an historic congressional debate on legislation to add long-promised prescription drug coverage to Medicare, FRONTLINE examines the battle between major pharmaceutical companies and American consumers fed up with paying the highest drug prices in the world.

Through interviews with consumers, legislators, scientists, top industry leaders and analysts, "The Other Drug War" examines the efforts of states like Maine and Oregon to control escalating drug costs in the face of strong opposition from the pharmaceutical industry. The program also explores the tension between the high cost of scientific innovation and society's need to keep drugs and health care affordable.