Posted: | December 13, 2022 11:08 AM |
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From: | Representative Dan Frankel |
To: | All House members |
Subject: | Pharmaceutical Affordability Board Act |
Almost 3 in 10 Americans reported in a 2022 Kaiser Family Foundation Survey that they had skipped doses of needed medication because of cost. More than 8 in 10 adults say the cost of prescription drugs is unreasonable. And almost 9 out of 10 adults believe we should limit how much drug companies can increase prices each year. These numbers speak for themselves. Pennsylvania must follow the lead of the federal government and take action to control the costs of medication. Prescription drugs, like electricity, home heating, and clean water, are fundamental necessities for our residents. We must make sure they are available and affordable. Drawing on lessons from existing programs in Colorado and Maryland, I will soon reintroduce legislation to create a Prescription Drug Affordability Board. The board would be empowered to review the costs of medication creating a burden for consumers. Ultimately, much like the “maximum fair price” review for medication paid for by Medicare, the board would set an upper payment limit for how much Pennsylvanians would pay for their prescription drugs. I invite you to join me in this meaningful, tested approach to tackle rising prescription drug costs by co-sponsoring the “Pharmaceutical Affordability Board Act.” |