Washington Can Stop Runaway Prescription Drug Costs – Here’s How to Make It Happen

Tell your lawmakers to protect the law that established our Prescription Drug Affordability Board this legislative season

Quick Context

Drug manufacturers set prices as high as the market will bear – that’s why Americans pay 2-4 times what patients in other countries pay for the same medications. Eleven states have already established Drug Price Accountability Boards, or what some states call a Prescription Drug Affordability Board. Washington must remain one of them. This is a commonsense way to address affordability issues in our state.

Where Washington Stands

Washington has a Drug Price Accountability Board. Now is the time to protect it.

Big Pharma’s efforts to stop Prescription Drug Affordability Boards in the legislature or through the courts won’t work this legislative season – but only if lawmakers hear from constituents that this matters.

Take Action: Contact Your Legislators

Your voice makes a difference. Tell your Washington state lawmakers to protect the law that established our Prescription Drug Affordability Board.

Why This Matters to Washingtonians

1 in 4 adults report difficulty affording prescription medications

Washington taxpayers spend an average of $413M a year on Medicaid prescription drugs, even after manufacturer rebates – based on the three most recent years of data (FY2021–2023). Driven by manufacturers’ list prices, these costs strain state budgets, taxpayers, and small businesses.

Four states can now set Upper Payment Limits on unaffordable medications – power to be used only in extreme cases of runaway drug prices, causing harm to our state’s residents. Washington must remain one of them.

What Happens Next

✓ Your message will be delivered to your lawmakers

✓ We’ll keep you updated on Washington drug price accountability and affordability legislation

✓ Your voice joins other Washingtonians calling for drug price reform

Recent Momentum

Colorado became the first state to vote for a drug price cap in February 2024, targeting Enbrel (a medication for autoimmune diseases, like rheumatoid arthritis) after its price increased 1,582% since FDA approval. Washington has the opportunity to take a stand this legislative season.