Maryland’s Prescription Drug Affordability Board is discussing recommendations to address the rising costs of high-priced medications. The discussion highlights both the drivers of affordability challenges and potential solutions, including upper payment limits that could ease strain on residents and county budgets alike.
Maryland was the first state in the nation to create a Prescription Drug Affordability Board in 2019. Maryland’s Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) convened to review policy recommendations and discuss strategies for making prescription medications more affordable for residents. The meeting included an opportunity for public comment and updates on the ongoing policy review process.
County leaders underscored the importance of the board’s work and the role of PDAB in easing the financial strain of high-cost prescription drugs on local budgets. Charles County Commissioner Reuben Collins emphasized that setting upper payment limits and moving quickly to remove financial barriers can help make medicines more accessible.
Meds don’t work if people can’t afford them, said Commissioner Collins.
Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich echoed the message, noting:
Every dollar saved on high-priced drugs is a dollar that can be used to fund critical services and ease the burden on taxpayers, said County Executive Elrich.
Anne Arundel County Executive Stuart Pittman expressed gratitude for the board’s efforts and stressed that creating affordability is a major step forward. He added that while the work will face challenges, it is essential for lowering costs for residents.
Setting upper payment limits for these two medications will be a great first step toward containing the spiraling health care costs that are crippling state and local governments and impeding our ability to offer comprehensive health care coverage to our hard-working civil servants, said County Executive Pittman.
Howard County Executive Calvin Ball also spoke, emphasizing the need to remove financial barriers to vital prescription drugs and urging every effort to make these medications more affordable.
People shouldn’t have to choose between buying their diabetes medication and groceries, said County Executive Ball.
The board reviewed preliminary policy recommendations and discussed the drivers behind affordability challenges, particularly for diabetes and heart medications such as Farxiga and Jardiance. These drugs have been shown to offer added value, but their high costs continue to strain county budgets. The board’s recommendations include setting upper payment limits to ensure these medications remain accessible while also freeing up resources for other critical county services.
A draft determination report on the affordability challenge is expected soon, which will outline the board’s findings and proposed actions. Maryland counties continue to support PDAB’s efforts to make prescription medications more affordable, a crucial step toward better health outcomes and stronger local communities.
Click here for PDAB’s meeting schedule and presentations.
Read Montgomery County’s press release.
Stay tuned to the Conduit Street Blog for more information.