The EACH/PIC Coalition submitted a comment letter to the Oregon PDAB providing input on the affordability review process, including RFIs, public engagement, and overall structure of the effort.
The letter states:
“We remain concerned about the board’s lack of clear criteria in developing the subset list of drugs under review. We are also concerned with the length of the list and the drugs that will be subjected to affordability review within the short amount of time the board has allotted to complete its review. … Oregon’s proposal to review 27 drugs and additional insulin products over only four months poses obvious challenges for both the board and the community.” …
“We urge the board to consider the risks to the patients who rely on the medications selected for affordability review as it refines the subset list for 2025. In future years, it is essential to diversify the types of drugs selected for affordability review and to include safeguards that protect vulnerable populations.” …
“The board’s work must be centered on the real-world challenges patients face in affording and accessing their prescribed medications. A narrow focus on systemic or payer-level costs overlooks the most meaningful measure of affordability: whether individuals can obtain and adhere to the medications they need.
“We urge the board to take the time necessary to ensure that the affordability review process does not disrupt continuity of care or restrict treatment options. Patients must not bear the burden of unintended consequences stemming from policy decisions that limit access or add new layers of complexity to their care.”