The EACH/PIC Coalition submitted sign-on letters to legislators in 7 states urging them to oppose legislation to implement a local PDAB. The Coalition was joined by 24 organizations that comprise its national network.
The letter outlined concerns with PDABs, including unintended consequences of compromised access to care, increased utilization management, and failure to address patient costs.
The letter states:
“While we applaud legislators’ commitment to supporting patients and lowering the costs of prescription medications, we are concerned that cost reviews and upper payment limits (UPLs) can further complicate an already complex healthcare marketplace and result in worse outcomes for patients. …
“Although well-intentioned, UPLs fail to address many of the underlying causes and complicated factors that result in higher prescription drug costs for patients. Therefore, we urge legislators to focus their time on identifying and addressing patient-reported obstacles to drug affordability.
“Failing to resolve the underlying factors that lead to higher costs for patients can result in short-term relief and uneven benefits – aiding some but potentially leaving others with higher costs and drug accessibility challenges.”
The letter was sent to Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont.