Tell your lawmakers to strenghthen our Prescription Drug Affordability Board with the power to set Upper Price Limits on what we pay for prescription drugs this legislative season
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. Maine must remain one of them. This is a commonsense way to address affordability issues in our state.
Maine has a Drug Price Accountability Board. Now is the time to strengthen it.
Legislation empowering our drug affordability board to set an Upper Price Limit (UPL) on what we pay for prescription drugs could be introduced this legislative season – but only if lawmakers hear from constituents that this matters.
Your voice makes a difference. Tell your Maine state lawmakers to strenghthen our Prescription Drug Affordability Board with the power to set Upper Price Limits on what we pay for prescription drugs.
1 in 4 adults report difficulty affording prescription medications
Maine taxpayers spend an average of $120M 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. Maine could be the fifth.
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✓ Your voice joins other Mainers calling for drug price reform
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. Maine has the opportunity to take a stand this legislative season.