AARP Maryland Applauds Votes to Accept the Prescription Drug Affordability Board Recommendations for Upper Payment Limits

(Annapolis, MD – October 22, 2024) AARP Maryland is applauding today's decision by the Legislative Policy Committee to accept the recommendations of the Prescription Drug Affordability Board for upper payment limits on medications Marylanders need most.

“We have long championed the cause of prescription drug affordability, including transparency and containment of prescription drug costs for consumers and are proud of our role in the establishment of the Prescription Drug Affordability Board – in the face of fierce industry opposition, said AARP Maryland State Director Hank Greenberg. “After all, drugs do not work if people can’t afford them. We are grateful to the Legislative Policy Committee for their decision, which will benefit countless Marylanders affected by rising prescription drug prices.”

“Rising prescription drug costs continue to burden Maryland’s senior population, and this plan offers a critical framework for addressing the issue by reviewing certain high-cost medications,” Greenberg continued. “Moving forward, AARP would like to see these savings apply across the board to all Marylanders.”

The Board’s vote to adopt the Upper Payment Limit (UPL) Action Plan is timely, especially considering federal developments, such as Medicare’s new drug pricing negotiations under the Inflation Reduction Act. Currently, two drugs under Medicare’s Maximum Fair Price program are being reviewed by the Maryland Prescription Drug Affordability Board.

“The UPL Action Plan, formed through a fair and thorough public discussion process, aims to efficiently establish upper payment limits while ensuring all stakeholders have ample opportunity to participate," said Greenberg in his letter to the leaders of the Legislative Policy Committee urging their support. “Additionally, the plan includes safeguards to ensure that drugs under review for upper payment limits remain available to Maryland consumers.”

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