PATIENTS NEED LOWER DRUG PRICES – and SB 401 WILL HELP make that happen

SB 401 will create a Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) to bring sunlight to high drug prices and accountability to the pharmaceutical industry.

Quick Context

Louisiana families continue to face crushing prescription drug costs for cancer medicines, insulin, and other essential treatments. SB 401 is changing that by creating the Louisiana Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) — a state panel that will review drug prices and recommend commonsense ways to make life-saving medications affordable.

This legislation will help patients, taxpayers, small businesses, and local pharmacies by addressing the true driver of high costs — pharmaceutical manufacturers who set unchecked prices. Pharmacies, doctors, hospitals, and insurers all operate downstream from those drug prices; SB 401 ensures accountability at the source.

By enacting SB 401, Louisiana:

  • Established a Prescription Drug Affordability Board to evaluate costly medications and share data with the legislature
  • Will now have a forum for hearing from and seeing what Louisianans are experiencing
  • Will ensure greater transparency in the pharmaceutical supply chain, right from the start

Take Action: THANK POLICYMAKERS

Your voice matters. Thank Gov. Landry and the Louisiana state senators who led the way on SB 401. This new law is a commonsense step toward lower drug prices, stronger local pharmacies, and better access for every Louisiana patient.

Why This Matters to LouisianANS

1 in 4 adults report difficulty affording prescription medications

Louisiana taxpayers spend an average of $1.1B 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.

SB 401 gives Louisiana the power to examine key drivers of pharmaceutical price increases – at their source – and what actions can give patients, small business and taxpayers relief from unaffordable drug costs.

What Happens Next

✓ Your message will be delivered to your lawmakers

✓ We’ll keep you updated on Louisiana drug price accountability and prescription drug access legislation

✓ Your voice joins other Louisianans calling for drug price reform