The EACH/PIC Coalition submitted comments to the Oregon PDAB in advance of their meeting to finalize their affordability review process and begin consideration of six of the twenty-three drugs selected by the board.
The letter stated:
“We urge the board to slow their cost review process to ensure that the actions taken by the board are the result of methodical, evidence-based decision making. The lengthy list of drugs coupled with the board’s need to complete reviews by year-end have resulted so far in a hurried and unclear process.”
“[O]nce again we assert that Oregon’s proposal to review 23 drugs and insulin products over only four months poses obvious challenges for both the board and the community. We urge the board, at a minimum, to shorten the list of drugs under affordability review for 2025 to ensure a thorough and deliberative process.”
“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.”
“We remain concerned that reported response rates to the patient survey were insufficient for drawing meaningful conclusions about patient experiences and should prompt further outreach and engagement efforts. We also continue to encourage the board to go beyond three-minute public testimony by creating more robust avenues for patient participation. Patient roundtables or extended listening sessions could provide more substantive insights and help the board better understand the burdens individuals face.”