In response to the Maryland PDAB’s request for comments on their selection of six drugs for cost review, the EACH Coalition submitted comments to the board outlining the concerns of patients and patient organizations with drug cost reviews and upper payment limits (UPLs).
The letter explained the many ways that cost reviews and UPLs can further complicate the medical landscape for patients and potentially result in worse outcomes for patients. The letter also emphasized that, while well-intended, cost reviews will likely have limited direct benefit to patients and could compromise patient access to needed medications.
The letter and the EACH Coalition continue to urge Maryland and other PDABs to work closely with patient organizations to ensure that efforts to lower drug costs will actually benefit patients.