AARP Poll Reveals Virginia Voters Support a Prescription Drug Affordability Board

RICHMOND _ Virginia voters strongly support the creation of a Prescription Drug Affordability Board to rein in drug prices and are more likely to vote for candidates who endorse the policy, according to an AARP Virginia voter survey released Aug. 1.

"Today's results validate what I hear from my constituents when I'm out at their doors — that necessary, life-saving medication is too often out of reach, and they support any and all efforts to reduce healthcare expenses, including a Prescription Drug Affordability Board," said Del. Karrie Delaney (D-Centreville), who carried legislation in the House creating such a board during the 2023 General Assembly session. "The General Assembly must come together in 2024 to pass this legislation and save millions of dollars for hardworking Virginians."

Delaney was joined at the virtual news conference hosted by AARP Virginia by Sen. Bill Stanley (R-Moneta), who supported the legislation in the Senate in 2023 and plans to push for it again next year.

“In my district, the two-thirds of Virginians taking prescription drugs are making life or death decisions on a monthly basis – whether to spend money on drugs, put food on the table, or keep a roof over their head,” Stanley said. “To sacrifice life for the sake of profit is not something I’m going to do. It’s either greed or good.”


The survey, conducted in June by the Wason Center for Civic Leadership at Christopher Newport University, revealed that two-thirds of Virginia voters ages 18 and older say they regularly take prescriptions. Overall, more than one-third of Virginia registered voters report having opted not to fill a prescription their doctor had given them and two-thirds say they are very or somewhat concerned about being able to afford the cost of medications they or a family member may need.

“I’ve had patients call me in a panic because the medication I prescribed that they need is too expensive,” said Dr. Rommaan Ahmad, Virginia state lead for the Committee to Protect Health Care. “I can tell you, as a physician, that when a particular medication doubles or triples in price, it is not twice or three times more effective.”

Three-quarters of Virginia voters age 18 and older support the creation of a Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB). The board would evaluate drug costs and set limits on how much Virginia payers, from state agencies to health plans to individuals paying out of pocket, will pay for prescription medications.

Support for a PDAB is strong across party lines, with 85% of Democrats, 71% of Republicans, and 70% of Independents agreeing with the policy.

A firm majority of voters – 60% – said support for a PDAB would motivate them to vote for a candidate for the Virginia General Assembly.

"In an age in which voters don't always agree on much, they agree on this: The skyrocketing costs of prescription drugs is a critically important issue and a Prescription Drug Affordability Board is a good solution," said Jim Dau, AARP Virginia State Director. "Every candidate running for the General Assembly this fall should know that supporting a drug affordability board is a common sense, bipartisan way to win over voters."

Norfolk resident Jillian Goodwin, 31, takes 20 prescription drugs to treat cystic fibrosis. She shared that she is lucky to have health insurance to help defray the costs of her medication.

“Without insurance, I truly wouldn’t be here today,” she said, noting that without insurance coverage and prescription drug discount programs, her copays would be $1,600 per month, which is more than her mortgage payment. She said one of her new medications retails for $360,000 per year.

Support is high among Virginia voters for three other legislative proposals about which they were asked. Nearly nine in ten voters voice support for having the Commonwealth join buying pools with other states to be able to offer discounted prescription drugs. Three-quarters of voters say they support establishing a maximum amount to be paid for certain drugs and importing drugs from countries with equivalent safety and quality standards. The full survey results can be found here.

AARP Virginia supported PDAB legislation during the 2023 General Assembly. The measure passed the State Senate with bipartisan support but died in committee in the House of Delegates.

About AARP

AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability, and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation's largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/about-aarp/, www.aarp.org/español or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspañol and @AARPadvocates on social media.

 

About The Wason Center for Civic Leadership

The Wason Center has a 10+ year track record of providing citizens and lawmakers accurate, unbiased and nonpartisan insight into the policy issues shaping the future of the Commonwealth. Students work side-by-side with talented faculty to produce survey research and political analysis that informs decision-making around the Commonwealth. In 2021, the Wason Center made a transformational commitment toward inspiring the next generation of civic leaders. To learn more, visit cnu.edu/wasoncenter