PDABs by State
Common Themes and Actions
- Differing Engagement and Transparency: All these states are showing varying levels of commitment to engaging with stakeholders, particularly patients, to ensure that the policies developed are reflective of community needs and real-world impacts.
- Ongoing Legislative Adjustments and Challenges: Each state is at a different stage in their legislative deliberations concerning drug affordability and any potential operational changes to PDABs.
- Increasing Patient-Centric Focus: There’s a clear trend towards ensuring that any drug pricing or affordability measures consider the unique needs and circumstances of patients, aiming to prevent negative impacts on access to necessary treatments.
Key Takeaways for Strategy and Coalition Principles
- Engagement Necessity: State experiences highlight the necessity of engaging more effectively with the public and especially with patients to ensure that the PDAB processes are inclusive and reflect real-world impacts and concerns.
- Transparency and Education: There is a significant need for transparent processes and educational outreach to ensure that stakeholders, particularly patients, understand what UPLs entail and how they might affect access to necessary medications.
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Colorado
Similar to other states, discussions in Colorado have often touched upon concerns related to fear and anxiety among patients regarding access to medications under the potential upper payment limit (UPL) settings, which will take effect in 2027.
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Maine
The Board is currently in its initial stages of operationalizing its mission and facilitating information gathering.
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Maryland
Maryland is currently engaged in setting their first UPL.
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Massachusetts
Massachusetts lawmakers have proposed the creation of a state PDAB, although passage into law has not yet occurred.
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Minnesota
The Board is currently in the initial stages of operationalizing its mission and facilitating information gathering.
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New Hampshire
New Hampshire’s PDAB was recently repealed.
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New Jersey
New Jersey’s Drug Affordability Council is currently in its initial stages of operationalizing its mission and facilitating information gathering.
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New York
New York’s Drug Accountability Board is currently in its initial stages of operationalizing its mission and facilitating information gathering.
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Oregon
The Board has recently discussed its jurisdiction with respect to rare and orphan drugs, indicating that it does have the legal authority to review them if they are approved for non-rare indications.
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Washington
Washington is somewhat earlier in the process compared to other states. There’s a focus on involving patient organizations and caregivers in developing the process, surveys, and outreach strategies.
