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Patients Explain Why Prescription Drugs are Unaffordable for Them

New patient-led data confirms that context around patient-identified affordability challenges is critical: insurance barriers – including inconsistent application of financial assistance – income, cumulative costs, and evolving life situations determine prescription affordability. Policies focused only on drug prices risk missing the root causes of patient hardship.

Existing Prescription Drug Affordability Boards (PDABs)

Does your state have an active Prescription Drug Administration Board (PDAB)? Many states have active PDABs. Hover over your state to learn more. (Updated as of July 1, 2025)

Legislative Outlook for 2026

This map demonstrates 2026 legislation that has been introduced (or expected) for the purpose of creating PDABs or capping drug prices.

Updated: January 29, 2026

If you represent a patient organization or allied group, continue here.

EACH unites patient organizations and allied groups to collectively advocate for patient-first drug affordability policies that protect access to medications.

If you are a patient or caregiver, continue here.

Our patient-led coalition helps patients and caregivers speak up about what really matters in healthcare. We offer easy-to-understand education, spaces to share your experiences, and support to get involved, so your voice can help shape solutions that make medications more affordable.

Advocating for Patient-Driven Policy Solutions

The EACH/PIC Coalition recognizes the need to address high prescription drug costs. We promote policies that keep treatments affordable and accessible, considering patient-reported needs first.

We’re concerned that medication cost reviews aren’t putting patients’ affordability challenges first. Some states can set payment limits, meaning the state could cap what it’ll pay, but most advertisements mislead patients to think these caps are for what they pay out of pocket. Because our healthcare system is complex, when these caps trickle down through the system, it could mean some medicines may no longer be covered.

Protect Patient Access

Cost reviews could compromise patient access to selected medications if insurance companies increase utilization management (more rules on how you can get your medicine, or changing the list of medications they prefer you take).

Reduce Barriers That Increase Medication Costs

Identifying and zeroing in on the underlying factors that patients say are leading to higher costs for them is critical to ensure we are solving affordability and access issues that matter most to those needing medications.

Drive Policy Change by Listening to Patient Identified Issues

Talking directly to patients and caregivers, and gaining an understanding of “the why” behind whether they can or cannot afford their medications, is the only way to understand every individual’s unique experience and journey. Current affordability reviews are backwards; boards often choose medications they think are unaffordable and then look for patients to agree. Solutions they choose are pre-decided, currently not guided by what patients say during the reviews. We aim to change this.