NORFOLK, Va. — There's a big push to make prescription drugs more affordable for people in Virginia.
More than 100 medical professionals signed a letter Monday saying they want to create a Prescription Drug Affordability Board to reign in high drug prices.
A group of doctors said on Monday, that they’ve seen this scenario play out too many times — a patient needs a certain prescription to keep pain in check or cure an illness, but that drug is just too expensive.
"I’ve had patients say they’ll take their chances with cheaper, less effective alternatives," said Dr. Rommaan Ahmad, a pain management physiatrist in Alexandria and Virginia Lead for the Committee to Protect Health Care. "Some of the alternatives suggested by their insurance companies are at times inappropriate and can cause serious side effects."
She is one of the many medical professionals who signed the letter.
"Virginians deserve better than to roll the dice with their healthcare just because of high drug costs," said Dr. Ahmad.
According to the Committee to Protect Healthcare, Americans pay more for their prescription drugs than any other developed country.
Family medicine physician Dr. Greg Gelburd adds that Virginians spend 36 percent more than people in other states for their medications.
Because of those statistics, the non-profit Altarum says one in four Virginians are not taking their medications as prescribed because they can’t afford it.
"We in the Commonwealth ought to be leading the effort to reduce the cost of medications," said Dr. Gelburd.
Two bills in the General Assembly, SB274 and HB570, would create the board — if passed. The independent board would consist of medical and health experts who would have the opportunity to review drug prices and put a cap on it if they feel it is too high.
"In 2023, the prices on 112 medications were increased by the pharmaceutical industry. This board could end this practice," said Gelburd. "No one should get rich on a sick person."
Dr. Rochelle Klinger, a psychiatrist, said when it comes to behavioral health, those patients are struggling to afford their long-term medication.
"They are often not covered by insurance or have unaffordable copays ranging from $400 to $1,500 a month," she said during the news conference.
A recent AARP poll said three-quarters of Virginia voters age 18 and older support the creation of a Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB).
This is not the first time creating this board is up for a vote in the General Assembly. Last year, a similar measure was passed in the Senate but failed in the Republican-controlled House.
"Establishing a review panel sends a clear signal that Virginia puts people first," said Klinger.
While the committee isn’t sure how long it will take to stand this board up if approved, they look to Colorado as an example. They say leaders in that state were able to get their affordability board going two years after it was approved.
Government officials at the federal level recently said they are kickstarting negotiations with several drug companies in an effort to cut costs for people with Medicare.
This board would aim to control drug costs for all Virginians, no matter what insurance you have.