Legislators in two states have resisted efforts to restrict Prescription Drug Affordability Boards, the controversial panels that are designed to function as rate-setting authorities and place limits on the cost of prescription medicines.
In Virginia, the General Assembly unanimously rejected a move by Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) to delay a key provision of two bills that would create a board and allow it to place price caps that mirror the negotiated prices paid by Medicare. Spanberger must now either accept or veto the legislation as originally intended.
In Colorado, the House Health and Human Services Committee postponed consideration of a bill that would exempt orphan drugs, which are used to treat rare diseases, from pricing caps that might be pursued by the state board. By delaying action until the end of the legislative session, the bill has effectively died.
