HB 424(SB0357), which expands the authority of the Prescription Drug Affordability Board, passed the Senate on party lines. The Board, which currently works to reduce the cost of prescription medications on the state’s health plan, would gain new power to set upper-payment limits on prescription medications in the commercial market. The expansion aims to cap the cost of drugs to more Marylanders.
As amended, the bill increases membership to the Stakeholder Council, including a representative of the rare disease community and requires for any drug designated as a treatment for a rare disease consideration of the impact that an upper payment limit would have on patients with rare diseases. The bill also sets new reporting requirements if upper-payment limits are implemented.
The bill returned to the House floor this morning and passed Third Reader, meaning the bill now moves to the governor for final approval.
PDAB expansion nears, FAMLI implementation gets farther off
